Mapping continental ambitions

The seizure of Chinese-run mines in Kyrgyzstan amid ongoing protests has highlighted the risks to business in the region, fuelling China's desire to promote its private security companies (PSCs). So far, six PSCs are active in Central Asia, including the controversial Xinjiang-based Frontier Services Group, which is making inroads in Kazakhstan's logistics market. Nevertheless, significant legal hurdles remain. As Chinese PSCs expand their operations, they continue to partner with local groups to gain further market access, as well as connections to officials in the interior ministry. But if Chinese PSCs continue to expand operations, Sinophobic sentiments—already widespread ...

CSIS is now accepting applications for the Spring 2021 Belt and Road Executive Course. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a $1 trillion flagship foreign policy effort of Chinese president Xi Jinping, could reshape global networks of trade, transport, and ...