Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book assesses China's approach to Central Asia through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It traces the evolution of the SCO, from its predecessor to its most recent development, focusing on how China interacts with other member states in organisation. The book focuses on Chinese foreign policy towards Central Asia and internal dynamics of the SCO. It identifies China's motivations, opportunities, and strategies towards Central Asia, in relation to its overall foreign strategy. Ancient China always set its strategic focus on its interior, with further expansion along its western frontier, as exemplified by the Silk Road which served as the key land bridge and facilitated commercial and cultural exchanges between the East and the West. The book describes and explains the development of the SCO in terms of institutionalisation and functional cooperation.