China is putting more effort into cultivating ties with key politicians in Central and South Asian countries to extend its reach in the region, and in some cases even influence elections in its favour, according to a new US research report. James Dorsey, a senior fellow at RSIS in Singapore, said there was significant anti-Chinese sentiment in Central Asia. It was driven by the situation in Xinjiang and the way Chinese firms involved in infrastructure developments in the region tended to use their own materials and workers, meaning local economies failed to benefit.