China’s Xi Visits Kazakhstan to Strengthen Ties with Central Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Kazakhstan to meet with Central Asian leaders, strengthening ties amid increasing competition with Russia. The summit highlights China’s growing influence, particularly in trade and infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative, as Central Asian nations seek to balance multiple global partnerships while addressing concerns about sovereignty and human rights.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is making a significant visit to Kazakhstan for a summit with Central Asian leaders, marking his second trip to the region in less than a year. The gathering, taking place in Astana, includes leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. With Beijing vying for influence against Russia, this meeting underscores China’s growing role in Central Asia, a region rich in natural resources and strategically located between Europe and Asia.

Historically under the sway of Russia until gaining independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union’s fall, the Central Asian nations are currently navigating a shift in power dynamics. The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted them to reconsider their relationships, with ties to Moscow appearing to weaken. Central Asian leaders are keen on leveraging their position to enhance foreign engagement and investment.

The region’s unified approach is evident as these five nations hold regular summits with both China and Russia. They seek to present a cohesive front, emphasizing their interests to attract investment from other global powers, including the European Union and the United States. According to Kyrgyz political analyst Nargiza Muratalieva, “The countries of the region are balancing between different centres of power, wanting to protect themselves from excessive dependence on one partner.”

Although Russia expresses support for Chinese presence in the region, stating it poses no threat, the reality is that China has emerged as Central Asia’s largest trading partner. In 2024, trade with China is projected to reach approximately $95 billion, significantly higher than trade volumes with the European Union and Russia, which stand at around $64 billion and $44 billion respectively.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative further magnifies its influence in Central Asia, as the region plays a vital role in facilitating major infrastructure projects. Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, stated that Xi’s Kazakhstan visit will enhance collaboration under this initiative. Current plans include infrastructure investments like the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway and the China-Tajikistan highway.

To bolster trade logistics, new border crossings and hubs, like Khorgos in Kazakhstan, are under development. Muratalieva pointed out that neither Russia nor any Western institution can mobilize financial resources for infrastructure projects as swiftly or on such a comprehensive scale as China has done.

These improved transport corridors are set to streamline China’s deliveries to Europe. Moreover, Chinese businesses are actively pursuing contracts in Central Asia’s energy sector, eyeing gas in Turkmenistan, uranium in Kazakhstan, and rare earth elements in Tajikistan. Just last week, Kazakhstan revealed plans for a nuclear power plant, with intentions for China to construct its second facility.

Certainly, Central Asia is abundant in minerals and resources essential for China’s booming economy, which relies on consistent access to commodities. Analysts emphasize that ensuring these supplies while avoiding unstable maritime routes is paramount for Beijing.

On the political landscape, China’s growing involvement aligns with the interests of Central Asian governments, many of which exhibit authoritarian tendencies. Xi’s recent calls at the Central Asia-China summit advocating for independence from foreign meddling indicate this strategy. “Central Asia directly borders Xinjiang… Beijing sees the stability of the Central Asian states as a guarantee of the security of its western borders,” highlighted Muratalieva.

Human rights issues cast a shadow over this partnership. China is accused of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslims in a controversial crackdown that some observers liken to “crimes against humanity,” according to United Nations reports. Meanwhile, Central Asia remains underpopulated, with approximately 80 million residents in vast territories comparable to the European Union while facing concerns over its growing dependency on China.

This interplay between power, resources, and politics continues to shape the future of Central Asia, where leaders are undoubtedly aware of the balancing act required in their evolving relationships with global powers.

In summary, Xi Jinping’s visit to Kazakhstan emphasizes China’s strategic pursuit of influence in Central Asia amid shifting allegiances, especially with Russia. The region’s leaders are taking steps to cultivate a unified stance and attract investments, while China emerges as a key player in trade and infrastructure development. As Central Asia grapples with the implications of its growing ties to China, concerns over sovereignty are likely to persist, as the region navigates the complexities of regional and global power dynamics.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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