With Xu Qiliang making stops in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, China is continuing to boost security relations in the region.

Catherine Putz joins the podcast to discuss recent developments in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

Sayragul Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh Chinese national, was released on a suspended sentence and will not be deported to China.

The complexities of international relations aside, is Kazakhstan going to choose China over Kazakhs?

Astana can't afford to push Beijing too hard, even on behalf of its own citizens detained in Xinjiang re-education camps.

Chinese authorities have put increasing pressure on ethnic Kazakhs and Kyrgyz in Xinjiang.

Three regional presidents attended the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing last weekend.

A look at the successes and complications of Xi’s signature project.

Central Asia's energy resources are increasingly flowing not to Russia, but to China and emerging Asian economies.

Central Asian countries are turning to China for funding -- but by default, not by preference.

Kazakhstan's future is at a crossroads, with its relationship to China as the key.

Putin has big Eurasian dreams and more on the SCO; recommended reads.

Beijing's belt fits with Kazakhstan's sunny path, but questions remain on its compatibility with the EEU.

Uzbek corruption, Chinese influence in Kazakhstan, and hipsters; weekend reads.

The route avoids Russia, plays into the opening of Iran and pleases China.

What was once an adversarial relationship is giving way to a strategic partnership.