Beyond EVs and perception, how China is gaining ground in Central Asia
Footprint can be seen across Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital Astana, as Beijing vies with Washington and others for influence in the region
Kabdygali says there is increasing demand for Chinese EVs both from locals and Russian customers due to their competitive price and quality. His grandfather is among the converts – he has an order in for a BYD Han, the carmaker’s flagship model, and plans to collect it from a terminal on the border with China and drive it hundreds of kilometres home.
Strolling through Astana – a city of more than 1.3 million people – feels much like walking through the most developed major cities in northern China. Its modern architectural landmarks loom over Soviet-era blocks, while a newly opened Chinese-built light rail train runs along the city’s central axis.
