Strained relations between the Uyghur community in Xinjiang and the Chinese government have led to increasing instability, which hinders China’s larger goals to increase trade with Central Asia and the Middle East. China's New Silk Road strategy may provide an opportunity for the CCP and Uyghur leaders to strike an uneasy bargain, albeit one that can halt the cycle of repression and retaliatory violence.

As China assists in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, some U.S. experts describe China as a “free-rider” in global conflict, despite the interests China shares with the U.S. in promoting peace and stability in the “Eurasian crossroads.” Sino-Afghan cooperation is not a zero-sum game where China gains and the U.S. loses. Instead, cooperation benefits both.

Reconstruction of Afghanistan may be an important field of cooperation in the progression of Sino-US relations. While there are many areas of cooperation, Shao Yuqun also explains some areas of tension.

As US and NATO forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014, Washington must carefully examine the strategic power vacuum that will be left in its void. Given China’s increasing influence in Central Asia, US policy makers must be cognizant of its recommendations for managing the region and enlist China’s assistance to implement them.