Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Kazakhstan on Thursday, marking the start of a high-stakes diplomatic mission to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit. The event brings together leaders from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to address shared challenges and opportunities in trade, security, and infrastructure development.
This year's summit follows the inaugural 2023 meeting in Xi'an, with observers anticipating new agreements on cross-border transportation networks and energy security. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed Xi at Nur-Sultan International Airport, stating the visit would "deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership."
Analysts highlight the summit's timing amid shifting global supply chains, with Central Asia's strategic location along Belt and Road Initiative corridors drawing increased attention from European and Asian investors. Recent data shows China-Central Asia trade surged 22% year-on-year in Q1 2024, driven by renewable energy equipment and agricultural exports.
The talks are expected to address regional security coordination following last month's counterterrorism drills in Xinjiang, involving forces from multiple Central Asian states. Cultural exchanges also feature on the agenda, with new student exchange programs and tourism initiatives under discussion.
