China and the Belt and Road in Central AsiaCEFR A1
4 Dec 2025
Adapted from Brian Hioe, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Darrell Chaddock, Unsplash
- China works in Central Asia for twenty years.
- It pays for roads, factories, mines and energy projects.
- It builds electric cars, waste plants, solar and wind.
- China began the Belt and Road in 2013.
- Kazakhstan has a long border with Xinjiang region.
- Most governments are stable and authoritarian, Kyrgyzstan is different.
- People have some Sinophobic feelings but officials keep ties.
- Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan want more renewable energy in recent years.
- Uzbekistan builds hydropower on the Pskem River in 2025.
- Sometimes protests make governments cancel parts of deals.
Difficult words
- authoritarian — A government with very strong control
- renewable — Energy that comes from sun, wind, or water
- hydropower — Electricity made by water and dams
- sinophobic — Fear or dislike of people from China
- protests — A public action to show disagreement
- border — A line between two countries or areas
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you want more renewable energy in your country?
- Have you ever seen a protest?
- Do you like electric cars?
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