China Displaces Russia as Kyrgyzstan's Top Economic Partner

• China has become a major investor in Kyrgyzstan, surpassing Russia as the top source of foreign direct investment. Chinese money is flowing into mining, manufacturing, and energy.

• Trade with China now accounts for over a third of Kyrgyzstan's total trade volume. The country's volume of trade with Russia has declined.

• Politically, Kyrgyzstan is mimicking Russia's authoritarian model by passing restrictive laws targeting civil society groups. However, economic ties with China continue to expand.

• Kyrgyzstan has been a key transit route for sanctions-busting goods headed to Russia. But fears of secondary sanctions may slow this illicit trade.

• Chinese mining companies continue to snap up assets in Kyrgyzstan, like the recent Kol-Jangak coal field deal, further boosting China's economic influence.