Key facts
- China plans to deploy over 1,000 remote-sensing satellites by the end of 2026.
- The Tianwu Constellation project is presented as a joint initiative with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
- The stated purpose is environmental monitoring and natural disaster reduction.
- Collected data will be processed in China with limited access for Central Asian states.
- China is also expanding cooperation in AI model implementation, water management, and industrial development in Central Asia.
China is expanding its influence in Central Asia through a multi-faceted approach that includes advanced technology deployment, economic investment, and educational cooperation. A significant initiative involves the planned deployment of over 1,000 remote-sensing satellites, branded as the Tianwu Constellation, with the first batch expected by the end of 2026. While presented as a collaborative effort with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan for environmental monitoring and disaster management, the project's structure, where China retains ownership and exclusive data processing, raises questions about its broader implications for surveillance.
Beyond satellite technology, China is actively engaging with Central Asian nations in the artificial intelligence sector. Kai-Fu Lee, a prominent figure in AI and an advisor to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, organized a seminar to guide Kazakh officials on AI model selection and implementation, highlighting the competition between US and Chinese AI models in the region. Furthermore, a deal was signed between a Chinese company and the Astana AI Film Festival Foundation to co-produce AI-generated media content.
Cooperation in water management is another key area. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has partnered with Chinese entities for joint degree programs and training centers, while Uzbekistan is exploring infrastructure upgrades with a Chinese technology firm. Economic ties are also strengthening, with Kazakhstan announcing MoUs for a $1.5 billion industrial park and a $1 billion aluminum smelter. The mining sector is seeing significant investment, with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (CNMC) establishing a new subsidiary and continuing large-scale projects like a copper smelter.
Financial and educational links are also being forged. Kyrgyzstan's Eldik Bank will borrow up to 1 billion yuan from the China Development Bank to support SMEs. In Turkmenistan, universities are partnering with China's Ministry of Education for Chinese language classes and joint research, and scholarships are being offered for Turkmen students to study in China. Additionally, a new freight rail service has been launched connecting China's Qinghai Province with Turkmenistan, facilitating transit to European markets. Uzbekistan's textile industry is also set to benefit from a partnership with a Chinese corporation.