Understanding the Rise of Anti-China Sentiments in Uzbekistan

• In the first half of 2025, anti-China sentiment spiked on Uzbek social media, driven by allegations that Chinese companies are taking over land, property, and gold mining licenses.
• The Uzbek government dismisses these claims as foreign-driven disinformation, though investigations reveal both legitimate local grievances and manipulated online content.
• Relations between the two countries have intensified since 2016, with China becoming Uzbekistan's largest trade partner and investor.

Origins of the Online Campaign

• The surge in sentiment began in February 2025 with a YouTube video by exiled former imam Fazliddin Shahobiddin, who claimed China is “selling out” Uzbekistan.
• Influencers and channels operating from Turkey and Russia have propagated claims that Chinese individuals are settling in local residential areas and that the government is trading sovereignty for debt.
• Gazeta.uz and government agencies have debunked several viral videos of alleged anti-Chinese protests, identifying them as footage of New Year celebrations or events held in other countries.

Drivers of Local Discontent

• Land Transfer Issues: Radio Ozodlik reported that thousands of hectares of agricultural land were transferred to Chinese enterprises in the Andijan and Qashqadaryo provinces, causing tangible local distress.
• Shifting Public Opinion: Data from the Central Asia Barometer indicates that favorable views of China dropped from over 70 percent in 2017 to 44 percent in 2023.
• Economic Integration: The massive growth of Chinese presence in energy, mining, and agriculture has left segments of the population wary of the nation's reliance on Beijing.

Government and Expert Response

• Official Countermeasures: The Uzbek government has clarified that foreign nationals and companies are legally prohibited from owning land, emphasizing that they may only lease it.
• Expert Perspective: Analysts like Yuriy Sarukhanyan note that while there is no aggressive sinophobia in the country, the public is becoming increasingly sensitive to perceived threats against national sovereignty.
• Future PR Strategy: Analysts predict China will pivot to the strategy used in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, focusing its public messaging on high-value community investments like renewables and digitalization to repair its image.