Prague, 18 November 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Despite its geographic proximity, China for the past century played only a marginal role in Central Asia. Economically, politically and culturally, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan were firmly in Russia's orbit. But independence in 1991 brought changes -- among them the opening of the "Bamboo Curtain" to the East. Initially, it was shuttle traders bringing consumer goods from China who began to fan out across Central Asia. Then came big business and senior politicians. In just over a decade, China -- with its booming economy and growing political clout -- has become a major player in the region. In a joint project, RFE/RL and Radio Free Asia are examining China's growing influence in Central Asia, what is motivating Beijing to expand its role in the region, and what the future may bring. In the first of a four-part series, RFE/RL correspondent Jeremy Bransten gives an overview of the situation.
