Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Pivot to Asia: Why the Near Abroad is Now China’s Top Priority

by Eric Olander

For much of the past 20 years, China sought to radically expand its presence beyond its traditional spheres of influence to new regions in Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. China lent billions to countries in these regions and devoted considerable diplomatic capital to building political influence there as well.

But now, in this new era of Great Power competition with the United States and Europe, China is once again shifting its focus, this time closer to home in Asia. Its so-called “near abroad” is now by far the most consequential region for China both in terms of trade and, increasingly, new security challenges.

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

You Might Like

Lessons From ASEAN on How Africa Can Better Manage Ties With China

While Chinese engagement in Africa is a relatively new phenomenon, dating back around 20 years now, countries in Southeast Asia have millennia of ...

The Hopes and Despair of African Migrants in China

Unlike the United States and countries in Europe, China has never been regarded as a popular destination for economic migrants. Today, that is no longer ...

Can the U.S. Under Donald Trump Compete With the Chinese in Africa?

With United States foreign policy in turmoil amid countless White House scandals and a demoralized State Department, 

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.