China strengthens ties with Central Asia at Astana summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the second China-Central Asia summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 16 to 18, aiming to deepen cooperation and bolster strategic ties with the region. The summit brought together the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to discuss economic, diplomatic, and infrastructural collaboration.

Strengthening regional cooperation

The summit emphasized the importance of expanding trade between China and Central Asian nations, highlighting centuries-old relationships and shared aspirations for regional development. China pledged to increase investments in infrastructure, trade, and technology while reaffirming its commitment to financial and strategic partnerships with the region.

This meeting follows the inaugural 2023 China-Central Asia summit in Xi’an, China. Over the past year, bilateral trade between China and Central Asia has surged by 35%, reaching an impressive $100 billion annually.

Central Asia plays a pivotal role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic integration. Several new projects were announced during the summit, including an $8 billion railway linking Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, further cementing China’s influence in the region.

A shifting geopolitical landscape

The summit also underscored a significant diplomatic realignment, with Central Asian nations increasingly leaning toward China while distancing themselves from traditional powers like Russia and the United States. Chinese President Xi Jinping described the summit as a foundation for “mutual respect, trust, and benefit” and a pathway to collective modernization through high-quality development.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a former diplomat in Beijing, praised the summit's importance for regional progress. Central Asia’s resource wealth, including uranium, oil, and rare earth minerals, remains a key driver of China’s growing interest in the region.

A vision for a connected future

The Astana summit highlighted China’s strategic vision for Central Asia, with a focus on infrastructure, trade, and energy collaboration. As ties deepen, the region is poised to play a larger role in China’s economic and geopolitical ambitions. The conference reflects a shared commitment to modernization and development, signaling a new era of regional cooperation.