Xi Attends First Central Asia-Hosted Regional Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 16 to 18, marking the first time the summit is hosted in a Central Asian country. The summit brings together Xi and the presidents of all five Central Asian states to discuss the achievements of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, launched in 2023, and to plan future relations. Economic ties have deepened, with trade reaching a record $94.8 billion in 2024 and cultural exchanges expanding, including more Confucius Institutes. Key topics will include strategic cooperation in digitalization, AI, and technology. The summit aims to foster regional stability, high-quality development, and a 'community with a shared future.' This event follows similar China-Central Asia engagements with the EU and highlights China's leadership in regional cooperation.