• KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00193 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.10379 1.57%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
06 July 2025
18 June 2025

XI Jinping’s Five Points: How China Is Looking To Reshape Central Asia

Image: Akorda.kz

The second China-Central Asia summit on June 17, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, underscored the strengthening ties between China and the region. This event marked a significant milestone in solidifying the China-Central Asia cooperation framework with the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. Experts note that Central Asian countries, once unable to adopt an intra-regional treaty, collectively reached this broader agreement with China.

The summit also featured a range of side events, including the Energy Forum “Energy of Central Asia – China,” the Forum on Humanitarian Exchange, the Second Forum on Industrial and Investment Cooperation, and the Central Asia-China Business Council meeting, among others. These gatherings highlighted cooperation in energy, trade, and cultural exchange, reflecting China’s deepening influence in the region.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised China’s approach to equal partnership, stating that relations between the two nations are “stable and free from the negative impacts of geopolitical challenges and shocks as well as the international circumstances. China has never imposed any political conditions regarding cooperation with Kazakhstan.”

“This is a very important point, Kazakhstani Sinologist Adil Kaukenov explained, “as the head of state, being at the forefront of Kazakhstan’s foreign and domestic policies, faces political games, manipulation, and pressure at various levels, which require considerable restraint, experience as a statesman, and popular support to overcome.”

During the summit, the heads of the Central Asian states articulated their priorities for cooperation with China. Kazakhstan emphasized projects like the creation of a joint cargo terminal in the port of Kuryk on the Caspian Sea, cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy and artificial intelligence, and counteracting international cybercrime. Kyrgyzstan focused on security, transport, e-commerce, energy, and tourism. Tajikistan prioritized industrial development, trade, food security, and green economy initiatives. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, sought the further integration of Afghanistan into the region, and proposed an “Electronic Silk Road” trade platform, and the development of a long-term strategy called the “Central Asia-China Industrial and Infrastructure Belt.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping used his address to outline five key points that shape China’s vision for the future of its relationship with Central Asia.

“Our cooperation is rooted in more than two thousand years of friendly relations, consolidated by the solidarity and mutual trust that has been established for 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and has made great progress thanks to mutually beneficial cooperation in the new era,” Xi stated in his keynote speech. According to Xi, China considers Central Asia one of the priorities of its foreign policy, and this building of peaceful, inclusive partnerships was marked by the historical milestone of the signing of the treaty at the summit.

“We will improve the architecture of cooperation, which is characterized by pragmatism, efficiency, and deep integration,” the Chinese president said, adding that 2025–2026 have been declared the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation. This initiative will focus on trade, transport connectivity, green energy, agriculture, and technology. Notably, China pledged 1.5 billion yuan ($208 million) in grants for projects aimed at improving infrastructure, public welfare, and vocational training.

China, according to its leader, is ready to share its latest technological achievements with Central Asia, promote digital infrastructure communication, expand cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, and cultivate new productive endeavors.

“In order to enhance cooperation in relevant areas, China has decided to establish a poverty alleviation center, an education exchange and cooperation center, a desertification control center, and a platform for creating favorable conditions for trade within the China-Central Asia framework,” Xi stated.

Security cooperation was highlighted as a priority, with China committing to support the modernization of defense and law enforcement capabilities in Central Asia. Xi also highlighted combating terrorism, cyber threats, and transnational crime, alongside aiding Afghanistan’s stability and development.

Strengthening cultural bonds was another key aspect, with Xi proposing the establishment of more Chinese cultural centers, university branches, and language programs in Central Asia. He also stressed educational exchanges to foster closer connections. Finally, Xi reiterated China’s focus on establishing a just global framework. We must “safeguard a fair, rational, equitable and orderly international order.  China supports the growing role of Central Asian states in international affairs, and is ready to join forces with all partners in upholding international justice, in the fight against hegemony and power politics, and in promoting an equitable and orderly multipolar world, and accessible and inclusive economic globalization,” he told those in attendance.

The summit concluded with the signing of the Astana Declaration, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asia.

Andrei Matveev

Andrei Matveev

Andrei Matveev is a journalist from Kazakhstan.

View more articles fromAndrei Matveev

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