China’s Xi in Kazakhstan to Cement Central Asia Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Kazakhstan signifies an effort to strengthen ties with Central Asia as China seeks to outmaneuver Russian influence. The summit, involving leaders from five Central Asian nations, highlights their push to diversify partnerships and leverage their rich resources for greater political and economic gain. This relationship grows amid cautious navigation of sovereignty issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet with leaders from Central Asia during a summit in Kazakhstan. This visit marks Xi’s second trip to the region within a year, highlighting China’s ongoing competition with Russia for influence. The summit, taking place in the Kazakh capital of Astana, gathers leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, all countries that were under Moscow’s control until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

The five Central Asian nations, once largely aligned with Russia, have been diversifying their partnerships, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, which has strained ties with Moscow. They have begun capitalizing on the increasing international attention on their region, notably coordinating foreign policies and presenting a united front at summits involving China and Russia. The growing collaboration has even extended to talks with the European Union, U.S., Turkey, and other Western entities.

“The countries of the region are balancing between different centers of power, wanting to protect themselves from excessive dependence on one partner,” noted Kyrgyz political analyst Nargiza Muratalieva. Meanwhile, Russia claims that China’s rising clout is not seen as a threat in Moscow, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarking on their strategic partnership and historical ties with Central Asian states.

Currently, China has emerged as Central Asia’s leading trading partner. Trade volume is estimated to reach around $95 billion in 2024, significantly dwarfing that of the European Union and Russia. This economic relationship is particularly crucial for China as it pushes forward its Belt and Road initiative aimed at expanding infrastructure and connectivity across the region.

Xi’s trip is designed to enhance cooperation under this initiative, which is not just about investment but serves as a diplomatic tool as well. Planned projects like the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway and the China-Tajikistan highway are poised to change regional logistics. New trade routes, such as the Khorgos dry port in Kazakhstan, signify major developments in facilitating trade across the region.

Extensive investment by Chinese companies into Central Asia’s energy sector also underscores Beijing’s growing foothold. Contracts for resources, including natural gas in Turkmenistan and uranium in Kazakhstan, are key priorities, alongside a burgeoning interest in rare earth minerals from Tajikistan. Kazakhstan has recently indicated its intent to have China construct its second nuclear power plant based on these shifting relationships.

China’s strategy involves ensuring stable, uninterrupted resource supplies. As Muratalieva points out, the large geographical distance from Eastern markets can complicate logistics via traditional sea routes. Additionally, Xi has expressed a desire for Central Asian states to resist external pressures that could lead to unrest, as observed in other regions.

This political support is especially pronounced in light of China’s controversial actions in Xinjiang, where the treatment of Uyghurs has drawn widespread international condemnation. Central Asia’s proximity to this turbulent region no doubt plays a role in China’s emphasis on stability in its neighboring states, which it sees as vital for its own security. With a relatively small population of 80 million across these vast lands, there are concerns about the influx of Chinese citizens as some countries ease visa restrictions, raising issues about national sovereignty in the process.

In summary, President Xi Jinping’s visit to Kazakhstan represents a significant effort by China to strengthen ties with Central Asian nations amidst rising tensions with Russia. These countries are eager to diversify their international partnerships and capitalize on their rich natural resources. While China’s growing influence fosters economic benefits, it raises concerns about sovereignty and the political implications of China’s assistance, particularly in a region sensitive to external pressures and geopolitical dynamics.

Original Source: www.mykxlg.com

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