Fun first (for me) in Tashkent--a ride from the local equivalent of Uber in a brand new electric "红旗" (Red Flag/Hong Qi) limo. Lots of Chinese electric cars here (BYD, etc.), but by far the dominant autos are Chevrolets, built by the local former GM (now UzAuto Motors) plant.

Great stay in Tashkent with U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues. Enjoyed our discussions about China in the region, including yesterday’s meeting with Institute of Advanced International Studies as well with other senior current and former officials. Now on to Bishkek.

Continuing through Central Asia, now in Kazakhstan, with U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues, stopping in Almaty and Astana. Thanks to our hosts in government, think tanks, universities and NGOs for excellent insights on China’s growing role in the region.

Wrapping up a remarkable 10 days in Central Asia w/ U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues sinocentric + Alley McFarland. In Astana today w/Inst for World Economics and Politics, Foreign Policy Studies Inst, Iskander Akylbayev and many others. Many thanks to our hosts!

Looking forward joining this stellar team and sharing the sharp and troubling findings of this great report. If you will be in DC, please join us!

Very happy to see this important new The National Bureau of Asian Research report out today! Bringing together experts from 6 Indo-Pac countries, we examine PRC's buildup of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), possible scenarios for their use, and how the region can respond. nbr.org/publication/me…

Great to work with an excellent team of experts to produce this new The National Bureau of Asian Research study: Lavina Lee (#Australia), Khang Vu (#Vietnam) Herman Joseph Kraft (#Philippines), Raji Rajagoplan (#India), Jyh-Shyang Sheu (#Taiwan), Waken Mukai (#Japan).

On BBC World to talk about 🇨🇳🇯🇵🇰🇷summit, I argue 🇯🇵🇰🇷's continuing wariness toward🇨🇳weighs heavily against 🇨🇳's hopes for more access to🇯🇵🇰🇷high-tech exports + investment. But the serious security issues dividing the region barely mentioned in the trilateral joint statement.

On BBC World to discuss the 🇨🇳🇯🇵🇰🇷summit with Steve Lai: "I suspect Washington will be listening carefully" to see whether its efforts are paying off to align🇯🇵🇰🇷 more closely together v-à-v China. I think they are. The National Bureau of Asian Research

In a new Q&A, The National Bureau of Asian Research’ Bates Gill and our sinocentric discuss the recent meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and where its priorities seem to be headed. usip.org/publications/2…

New analysis based on my recent trip to Central Asia (CA) with U.S. Institute of Peace sinocentric: China stepping up role as security actor in CA thru policing equipment, surveillance & tech, support for border enforcement and counter-terrorism, and weapons. usip.org/publications/2…

Hi The National Bureau of Asian Research: That repost is incorrect. I write that Iran is already an SCO member and note that that Belarus will likely be admitted soon.

Have a look! Following on a fascinating recent trip to #CentralAsia with U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues sinocentric and Alison McFarland, here is very quick video with four big takeaways re: China's growing role as a security actor in the region. usip.org/blog/2024/06/c…

Very happy to announce that Geopolitics, Military Modernisation and the Future of the Indo-Pacific, my new book w/ co-authors Drs. Andrew Tan, Yves-Heng Lim + Adam Lockyer, is coming out this month! Click below and be sure to ask for the 20% discount. routledge.com/9781032254487

Congratulations to Bates Gill, Adam Lockyer, Dr Yves Heng-Lim and Professor Andrew Tan on the publication of their new book "Geopolitics, Military Modernisation and the Future of the Indo-Pacific"

For CNN, I argue that admission of Belarus to Shanghai Cooperation Organization "creates all sorts of problems and new questions about the reputation, legitimacy and mandate of the organization." Read this and my other thoughts on the SCO summit: edition.cnn.com/2024/07/02/chi…

On CNA my take on the recent SCO summit: Central Asian governments in awkward position as Xi + Putin appear to pursue a "pan-Eurasian" organization that is less + less focused on Central Asia. This and other insights on the gathering here: channelnewsasia.com/watch/moscow-a…

As part of our U.S. Institute of Peace project tracking #China's Global Security Initiative (GSI), check out this great piece by Abbos Bobokhonov on the GSI in Central Asia. An excellent analysis, cogent, insightful. Read it and the project's other work at this link: usip.org/programs/track…

Started my new role as Senior Fellow at the UN Geneva. Will be working with the great team United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research to explore UN Security Council interest and action to use conventional arms control measures as part of their mandate to help maintain regional peace and security.

This week, the PRC-Africa summit major outcome document outlines 🇨🇳's 10 pledges of cooperation for 2024-27, signals less emphasis on debt financing and increased security role for China on the continent. See my thoughts on CNA channelnewsasia.com/watch/chinas-n…