China's top legislator Zhao Leji engaged in high-level discussions with Central Asian partners and regional stakeholders during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, underscoring Beijing's commitment to multilateral cooperation. The meetings occurred on March 25 in Hainan Province, a strategic hub for Asian economic dialogue.
As chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Zhao first met with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, to discuss enhanced trade connectivity under China's Belt and Road Initiative. Later discussions with Kazakhstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar focused on energy security and cross-border infrastructure projects.
In a separate session with BFA board members and senior advisors, Zhao emphasized the forum's role in addressing Asia's post-pandemic economic recovery challenges. "This year's forum theme of 'Shared Challenges, Collective Action' aligns with our vision for sustainable regional development," Zhao stated during the closed-door meeting.
The diplomatic engagements come as China strengthens economic partnerships across Central Asia, with bilateral trade between China and Kazakhstan reaching $41 billion in 2025, according to recent customs data.
