Chinese President Xi Jinping has dispatched an important diplomatic mission. He is visiting Kazakhstan in order to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit. This summit routinely convenes the heads of state of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Their stated aim is to further deepen these already very close ties that China has with these Central Asian countries. Prospects for cooperation on trans-border economic initiatives, the summit’s largest expected agenda item, infrastructure projects, and regional stability will surely dominate discussions.
China, too, has established itself in recent years as the top trading partner for all five Central Asian republics. Both major trade flows and investments strengthen this very important relationship. In 2023 so far, Kazakhstan imported $18.7 billion worth of goods from China and exported $15 billion to its larger neighbor. In contrast, Kyrgyzstan imported $3.68 billion worth of goods from China but only exported $887 million. In comparison, Turkmenistan had $957 million in imports, but $9.63 billion in exports to boot.
Economic Investments and Trade Dynamics
China’s pledge to invest around $26 billion in Kazakhstan is illustrative of China’s strategic interest in the region. These investments are essential for Kazakhstan’s economic diversification and development, and will certainly increase the depth of the bilateral trade and investment relationship even more. During the summit, activists plan to draw strong attention to the proposed $8 billion high-speed railway line. This hugely ambitious project plans to link China’s troubled Xinjiang region to Uzbekistan, via Kyrgyzstan. Work on this project is expected to start in July.
“China places high strategic importance on Central Asia,” – Zhao
This intense push for infrastructure development feeds into China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative. This ambitious initiative seeks to create a new system of connectivity and trade routes across Asia and beyond. The summit would be the perfect stage for these leaders to come together and talk about the benefits they’re reaping from these kinds of partnerships.
Kazakhstan’s huge exportation of raw materials to China—more than $5 billion in 2015—underscores the two countries’ deepening economic ties. The Central Asian republic stands to gain from China’s vast markets and advanced technology, which can support its modernization efforts.
Addressing Regional Challenges
Unilateralism & (trade) protectionism are rising, creating serious hazards to world peace & development. He spelled out how these practices have hurt the entire global free trade system, especially in today’s lackluster economic environment. His comments struck the right chord with Central Asian states, who are looking to maximize stable trade relationships while tensions rise globally.
“The trend of anti-globalisation [that] has severely impacted the free trade system,” – Wang Yi
Central Asian leaders are likely to raise ringing concern over a variety of external pressures during the summit. They’ll make a joint declaration of their intent to continue their collaborative efforts. Leaders will discuss issues like diplomatic relations with China, the Israel-Palestine conflict and other regional trouble spots.
“Establishing the China-Central Asia mechanism was a unanimous decision among China and the five Central Asian countries, which dovetails with the region’s common desire to maintain stability and pursue high-quality development,” – Lin Jian
Through this cooperative framework, the United States hopes to both enhance regional stability and economic prosperity. Second, it will deliver meaningful agency to Central Asian states to diversify their diplomatic portfolios.
Future Prospects and Strategic Importance
This will mark Xi Jinping’s second trip to Kazakhstan in as many years. Such is Beijing’s interest in how it is perceived by the other states that make up its neighbourhood, this visit illustrates. The summit gives President Xi a unique backdrop to interact with his many counterparts. He should detail a comprehensive strategy for working together on strategic priorities during these important discussions.
“During the summit, President Xi will also meet with these leaders and lay out the top-level plan for China’s relations with the five Central Asian countries,” – Lin
Aligning with China increases regional stability between Central Asian states. Moreover, it helps them achieve their goals and boost economic modernization. As regional dynamics change, these countries will probably be able to keep using their closeness with China to adapt to emerging geopolitical threats.
“China’s relations with Central Asian countries have entered a new era … injecting fresh impetus into regional development and delivering tangibly for the peoples of all six countries.” – Lin Jian
