It has not been the case since the Fall of the Han Dynasty in 200AD, nor in the disunity of 500AD, nor will it be tolerated now.

FORBES: Japan and China: A Clash of Civilizations?

By the time of the Han dynasty - still more than 2, 000 years ago - China's borders already closely resembled those of eastern and central China today.

BBC: A Point Of View: Making sense of China

Central Asia has been a geostrategic crossroads of people, capital and ideas since the first Han dynasty caravans traveled the ancient Silk Road.

FORBES: Magazine Article