Kyrgyzstan in the context of China's policy in Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most strategically important countries in Central Asia, and the regional strategy of Kyrgyzstan has a great impact on China. The thesis examines the importance of Kyrgyzstan in the geopolitical and economic context of China with a focus on soft power projects, economic participation, and security cooperation. China is increasingly looking to Kyrgyzstan as a partner to help secure its western borders, boost stability and increase its economic influence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Kyrgyzstan’s participation in BRI projects helps develop infrastructure linking China with Central Asia and beyond, while its membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) provides a forum to improve security relations. But the relationship between Kyrgyzstan and China is complicated, and has controversial aspects. In contrast, China helps Kyrgyzstan to overcome its economic difficulties by providing loans, investments and trade opportunities. Kyrgyzstan, in contrast, is worried about its dependence on debt, its sovereignty regarding Chinese infrastructure projects and the growing influence of China in internal politics. This thesis also looks at the perceptions of the local population toward involvement including reactions to labor practices, environmental issues and cultural exchanges that is posing problems for China and Kyrgyzstan as their relationship unfolds. The article examines the role of Kyrgyzstan in the Chinese policy on Central Asia. The balance between issues of national sovereignty and economic cooperation is shown. This thesis contributes to our understanding of China’s regional policy in Central Asia and provides an example of how smaller countries deal with complex foreign alliances by studying China and Kyrgyzstan. The study further underlines possible obstacles that Kyrgyzstan and China could face as their relationship develops further and implications for regional cooperation.