Books: Central Asia as a test case for China's new world order

'Backlash' explores how Beijing's Belt and Road ambitions face opportunity and opposition across the steppe

Authors Bradley Jardine and Edward Lemon examine, among other themes, how local resistance challenges China’s growing influence in Central Asia. The photo on the right shows an anti-China protest in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in 2019. (Source photos by Hurst, Reuters)

PAUL BARTLETT

November 7, 2025 08:00 JST

In recent years, Central Asia has seen its international profile rising as global powers, including the U.S., Japan, Turkey, India and the European Union compete for control of its natural resources and strategic location as a bridge between Asia and Europe. But it is neighboring China that is winning the race, rivaling Russia, the former colonial power, as the key outside influence.