People protest against the construction of Chinese factories in Kazakhstan during a rally in Almaty, Kazakhstan September 4, 2019. REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev
ALMATY/NUR-SULTAN (Reuters) - Kazakhs protesting against the construction of Chinese factories held public rallies in three Kazakh cities on Wednesday, demanding a ban on an initiative which the Central Asian nation's government hoped would bring investment and jobs.
Neighbouring China is already one of the oil-rich former Soviet republic's biggest investors and trade partners, but its broad presence and Beijing's campaign to "de-radicalise" ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang province have contributed to a growing anti-Chinese sentiment.
Subscribe to The Star Yearly Premium Plan for 30% off
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App.
Monthly Plan
RM 13.90/month
RM 9.73/month
Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.
Annual Plan
RM 12.39/month
RM 8.63/month
Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.