How China Is Building Influence in Central Asia, One Laboratory at a Time

China is expanding its ties with Central Asia through universities, research partnerships and proposed laboratories alongside its more visible infrastructure projects. The article focuses on Uzbekistan, where the two countries have developed joint study programmes and discussed facilities for food safety and other fields. A bilateral expert council met in Tashkent in October 2026 to consider artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and skills, while officials have identified agricultural biotechnology, new materials and green energy as further priorities. Chinese and Central Asian research institutions also launched a regional dialogue mechanism in June.

These links could give researchers access to training, equipment and funding while allowing Chinese institutions a greater role in shaping research priorities over time. Their practical impact remains uncertain: a proposed laboratory or signed agreement does not establish that research is under way or producing useful results. Evidence on joint publications, patents, trained graduates and commercial applications would be needed to judge the scale of China’s influence or compare it fairly with that of other partners. Uzbekistan can pursue scientific cooperation with several countries at once.