A lively discussion of powerful similarities and intriguing differences across four regions—Southeast Asia, Latin America, Central Asia, and South Asia—and what can be learned by comparing local strategies and Chinese responses around infrastructure, investment, and training.

China has long been invested in the economies of Central Asia, including in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and other countries. However, over the last few years, that engagement has slowly changed as Central Asian laborers have demanded more benefits and professional development from Chinese industrial firms. Dirk van der Kley and Niva Yau explain how China has adapted to these evolving demands from Central Asian workers.

Chinese firms are adapting to an ever-changing business environment as Central Asian leaders and citizens demand more local job creation, value-added industry, and opportunities for skills and advancement.

China needs to replicate its Central Asian success in the Caucasus in order to take another step westward toward implementing its trade and energy dream, away from the control of Russia and the United States.

This podcast episode focuses on the shift in power in Central Asia and the evolving roles of China and Russia there.