Nations close ranks against U.S.

The strategically key region of Central Asia has become another area where China is leading a move to reduce or eliminate US influence.

After rapidly building up its military forces in Central Asia after its invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the United States is finding an increasingly cool reception from governments in the region.

In fact, at a summit meeting earlier this month of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Kazakhstan, the leaders of the six member nations called upon Washington to set a timetable for closing its military bases in Central Asia.