Chinese Governance Export in Central Asia

Niva Yau

doi:10.1163/18750230-bja10009

Abstract

Abstract The People’s Republic of China has been actively promoting its governance styles abroad. In Central Asia, these programs have increased rapidly both in terms of their frequency and scope. This paper documents 59 in-China training programs for Central Asian officials from 2007 to 2020, the majority of which concerned security management and involved Chinese technology and equipment transfers. It is evident that Central Asian governments are adopting surveillance practices that are based on Chinese security ideology. As Central Asian states absorb these governance models, a new set of security and human rights issues is emerging.

Highlights

The 3,000-kilometer-long border China shares with the Central Asian states is a security priority to Beijing as it encircles a region, Xinjiang, with which Beijing has a long and difficult history
In the early 2010s, all Central Asian states have climbed up the ladder and concluded comprehensive strategic partnerships with China (全面战略伙伴关系). [csp] is a category of cooperative agreements in China’s network of partnerships
A dataset has been compiled of 59 in-China training programs for Central Asian officials from 2007 to 2020

Summary

Introduction*

The 3,000-kilometer-long border China shares with the Central Asian states is a security priority to Beijing as it encircles a region, Xinjiang, with which Beijing has a long and difficult history. Over the course of thirty years of diplomatic relations with China, Central Asian states have adopted an increasing number of aspects of Chinese styles of governance. This paper details the Chinese approach and motivations in exporting governance to Central Asia through funding training programs. A dataset has been compiled of 59 in-China training programs for Central Asian officials from 2007 to 2020. This paper highlights examples of Central Asian adoption of the Chinese surveillance-led security approach. This paper seeks to understand the impact of these programs on the security and human rights environment in Central Asian states

Advocating Security Governance with Chinese Characteristics

Central Asian Adoption of Chinese Security Management

Security and Human Rights Impact on Central Asian States

Conclusion