Discussing China: Sinophilia and sinophobia in Central Asia

Abstract

In two decades since independence, Beijing has become one of Central Asian countries main partners. China's growing presence and influence in Central Asia partially structures the domestic orders, social changes, and national narratives of the latter. Exactly how China will intensify its presence in Central Asia is going to depend partly on the approaches and attitudes of the Central Asian states themselves. The rise of Sinophilia and Sinophobia will impact the political, geo-strategic, and cultural the situation in the region, working either to speed up or to slow down Chinese expansion in it. The Central Asian states are at once desirous of the growing Chinese presence, wanting to take advantage of its economic dynamism and geo-strategic influence, but also fearful of its potential demographic and cultural clout.