Kyrgyzstan
COMMENT: China’s latest economic conquest – Central Asia
For the five Central Asian republics - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - China has in recent years emerged not only as a dominant trading partner, but increasingly as the only partner nearby that can actually deliver.
What Central Asia wants out of the upcoming Washington summit
Clarity on critical minerals and a lot else.
Kyrgyzstan bans three media titles as “extremist organisations”
Populist-nationalist president Sadyr Japarov, due to meet Donald Trump next week, denies introducing authoritarian controls.
Turkmenistan’s TAPI gas pipeline takes off
Turkmenistan's 1,800km TAPI gas pipeline breaks ground after 30 years with first 14km completed into Afghanistan, aiming to deliver 33bcm annually to Pakistan and India by 2027 despite geopolitical hurdles.
Central Asian states registering impressive trade gains
Success despite the lack of access to a seaport.
Kyrgyzstan says neighbours “upset” by country’s lack of water
“This year we were supposed to overcome shortages, but instead, they have intensified,” deputy head of cabinet tells Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Turkey widens doorway to workers from Turkic-speaking countries
Move coincides with decision by Russia to kick out hundreds of thousands of largely Central Asian nationals.
The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia
While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.
Eurasian Economic Union planning operational changes
Kremlin-led group wants to be more like Brussels.
770,000 migrants told to leave Russia
Deportation regime activated for largely Central Asian nationals amid crackdown critics describe as xenophobic.
Putin pushes Central Asia for North-South trade corridor steps, analyst notes Kremlin’s “Turkic bloc” anxiety
To Moscow, “the fact that the Turks are united is alarming,” he says.
Putin calls for Central Asia to boost trade with Russia
With Moscow preoccupied by Ukraine, China has raced ahead in building up commerce and investment with the region. Other powers are also looking for bigger pieces of the pie.
Putin arrives in Tajikistan for meetings with Central Asia, CIS leaders
Calls made for Tajiks to arrest Russian leader under international court warrant, but Dushanbe remains strategic ally of Kremlin.
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How Central Asia came to love the Chinese electric vehicle invasion
Resistance would be futile – and expensive. The region has flung its doors open to the likes of BYD.
Low reservoir water levels mean tough winter for hydro-dependent Kyrgyzstan
Energy minister says government taking measures to prevent blackouts.
Kyrgyzstan’s president Japarov demands return of death penalty after brutal rape and murder of schoolgirl
Populist leader has taken personal control of investigation. Killing comes days after snap elections were announced.
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COMMENT: How Kyrgyzstan is becoming a Chinese province
Central Asia lies at the crossroads of major geopolitical and regional interests. Until recently, the countries of the region managed to balance between Russia, China, Turkey, and the collective West. Now China plays an increasingly impoortant role.
Kyrgyzstan to hold early parliamentary elections
Leaders likely looking for more stability in already sedate political environment.
China-Iran rail link slashes transit time to 17 days, official says
A new rail route through Central Asia has reduced freight transit time between China and Iran to 17 days, with car parts following in record time.
EBRD says geopolitics, tariffs and China competition weigh on Emerging Europe growth
Development bank downgrades 2025 forecasts for Central and Eastern Europe citing weak external demand, rising debt and the impact of US tariffs.