From June 16 to 18, Astana becomes the epicenter of Eurasian cooperation as Chinese President Xi Jinping joins leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Invited by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President Xi will co-chair the second China-Central Asia Summit, aiming to deepen strategic trust, boost trade and expand people-to-people ties.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The inaugural summit in May 2023 produced the Xi’an Declaration, anchored in four pillars: mutual assistance, common development, universal security and everlasting friendship. This year’s gathering builds on that roadmap, with experts expecting fresh agreements on connectivity, energy and sustainable development across the region.
Major Projects in Play
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, tangible progress is already underway. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has entered its construction preparation phase, promising to slash logistics costs and link the Asia-Pacific to Europe. Turkmenistan’s pipeline network delivered 430 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the Chinese mainland by March 2025—roughly China’s annual consumption. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s oil pipelines and Shymkent refinery run steadily, and Uzbekistan’s 1,500 MW gas-fired plant in Syrdarya is online.
Numbers That Matter
Trade between China and the five Central Asian countries topped $94.8Â billion in 2024, up $5.4Â billion year-on-year. Chinese investment is surging in green energy and agricultural processing, turning Central Asia into both the birthplace of BRI collaboration and a leading demonstration zone for high-quality growth.
Looking Ahead
Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the Astana summit offers a fresh model for South-South cooperation. By showcasing high-impact projects and fostering a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, this gathering aims to inject positive momentum into Eurasia and beyond.
Reference(s):
China, Central Asian countries seek closer ties at second summit
cgtn.com
