Xi Jinping Meets Central Asian Leaders in Kazakhstan for China-Central Asia Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit, held in Astana, where he met with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The summit focused on enhancing regional cooperation, political dialogue, trade, economic ties, transport integration, energy, innovation, sustainable development, and regional security. Xi emphasized expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as clean energy, green minerals, and artificial intelligence, and supported Tajikistan's sovereignty and security. The summit follows growing interest from China in Central Asia as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, with Kazakhstan playing a strategic role as a key supplier of oil and natural gas and a vital overland gateway for China-Europe freight. Central Asian countries are increasingly diversifying their partnerships, reducing dependence on Russia, and leveraging their strategic location and natural resources to attract investment from multiple global powers. The Astana Declaration and the Treaty on Eternal Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation are expected to be signed to solidify these collaborative efforts.