September, 2025 — In a dialogue that bridges continents and generations of Yenching Academy scholars, Odil Gafarov (Uzbekistan, 2017 Yenching Scholar), Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced International Studies, sat down with Gao Zihao (China, 2018 Yenching Scholar), founder of WisePromise Advisory, to discuss Central Asia’s evolving geopolitical role and its growing partnership with China.

The conversation, conducted under the Eurasian System Science Research Association (ESSRA), explored how Central Asian states are redefining their place in a rapidly shifting international landscape — from navigating global power rivalries to deepening economic, cultural, and strategic ties with China.

图源：Eurasian Research Institute

Rethinking Central Asia’s Geopolitical Agency

Mr. Gafarov challenged the traditional perception of Central Asian countries as passive players caught between competing powers. Instead, he depicted them as strategically agile states practicing “multi-vector diplomacy” — maintaining constructive relations with Russia, China, the United States, Europe, and emerging middle powers.

He cited examples of Chinese investment in infrastructure and security projects alongside India’s expanding role in the IT sector, illustrating how countries like Uzbekistan deliberately cultivate diversified partnerships to safeguard sovereignty and promote sustainable growth. “Central Asia’s strength lies in its ability to balance — not to choose sides,” Gafarov emphasized.

Why China Matters

A major focus of the discussion was the China–Central Asia partnership. Gafarov noted that geographical proximity, economic pragmatism, and technological complementarity make China an indispensable partner for regional modernization. Cooperation, he said, is especially critical in renewable energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure connectivity — areas that align closely with both sides’ long-term development goals.

At the same time, Gafarov acknowledged persistent knowledge gaps and cultural unfamiliarity between Chinese and Central Asian societies. He called for deeper people-to-people exchanges, academic collaboration, and language education to foster lasting mutual understanding and trust.

Governance Resilience and Development Challenges

Beyond diplomacy, the conversation also examined domestic governance, water security, and climate resilience. Gafarov highlighted the region’s enduring administrative traditions and strong institutional foundations, which have helped maintain stability amid external shocks. Yet, he warned of growing vulnerabilities — from Afghanistan’s Kashtapa Canal project and climate-induced water scarcity to outdated energy infrastructure — urging enhanced regional coordination and technology-driven solutions.

From “Invisible” to Influential

Concluding the interview, Gafarov reaffirmed Central Asia’s strategic autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world. “The future of the region will depend on pragmatic engagement with both major and middle powers,” he said. “Central Asia is no longer a silent observer — it is an active architect of Eurasia’s future.”

The conversation between two Yenching Academy alumni offered a rare insider perspective on how Central Asian states are transforming from “invisible players” into influential shapers of Eurasia’s geopolitical and economic order — a transformation with deep implications for China’s neighborhood diplomacy and the Belt and Road Initiative.

About the Interviewee

Odil Gafarov (2017 Yenching Scholar)

Deputy Director, Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, Institute for Advanced International Studies

Odil Gafarov is a researcher specializing in unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and China’s foreign policy and military strategy. He is a recognized security expert for the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the European Commission, and other international organizations. He holds degrees from Peking University, Renmin University of China, and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

About the Interviewer

Gao Zihao (China, 2018 Yenching Scholar)

Founder, WisePromise Advisory | Non-resident Fellow, Beijing Club for International Dialogue

Zihao is a researcher and practitioner focusing on geopolitics, international business development, and global supply chains. He advises Chinese technology companies on international expansion and writes the bi-weekly column “SinoArk”for Shanghai Daily. His experience includes studying at the Yenching Academy of Peking University (2018–2020) and serving at the Chinese Olympic Committee (2020–2022).

Original Interview URL: 

Chinese version：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/BPmszUa6H6OkHLNrEYxA8Q

English version：https://iais.uz/en/outputnew/why-is-central-asia-closely-watched-by-the-us-europe-and-india-so-particularly-interested-in-china