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China-Central Asia bond: Han envoy 'hustles' Western goods

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Over 2,000 years ago, during China's Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD), an envoy named Zhang Qian traveled extensively across Central Asia, establishing early ties between China and the wider region. He brought new goods and ideas to Central Asia, and in return, many returned to China. It's said that he introduced foods like grapes, pomegranates and walnuts to China. In a way, Zhang Qian was like an ancient influencer, connecting two cultures long before the internet.

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