China's foreign policy concept of 'strategic borders' and 'living space': foreign policy risks for Central Asia

The article examines the evolutionary stages of China's foreign policy concept and the features of the nature of international relations in the main geopolitical directions of China's foreign policy activity. The reasons that contribute to unification and successful cooperation between the countries and, on the contrary, the reasons that have a negative impact on mutual relations and serve as a source of discord are investigated. It outlines and describes key changes in China's foreign policy as it strengthens its comprehensive national power. The article also outlines the differences of Chinese school of geopolitics, which has its own historical, cultural and philosophical roots. It provides a brief overview of China's policy on " strategic boundaries" and "living space" and its possible implications for Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole.