China's Xi Plans Central Asia Visit to Strengthen Regional Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a significant diplomatic mission to Central Asia, attending a leaders' meeting and conducting state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan starting on Tuesday, as announced by the foreign ministry on Sunday.

President Xi's visit underscores China's heightened diplomatic engagement in the Central Asian region, marked by efforts to strengthen economic ties. This follows a summit hosted by China in May last year, attended by regional leaders, where Xi emphasized the importance of deepening economic cooperation.

According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, President Xi will participate in the 24th meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana. Additionally, he will undertake state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan from July 2 to 6, upon invitations extended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan.

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Central Asia holds strategic significance for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a major international infrastructure development project aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade across Asia and beyond.

China's increased focus on Central Asia comes amid geopolitical shifts, particularly following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has led former Soviet states to seek diversified partnerships beyond traditional alliances.

During the previous summit, China committed to expanding transport networks and advancing projects such as the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, reinforcing its role as a key economic partner in the region.

President Xi's upcoming visits are expected to further solidify China's economic and diplomatic footprint in Central Asia, fostering closer ties and mutual cooperation on regional and international issues.