China, Central Asia Leaders Gather Astana For Second Cooperation Summit

The second China-Central Asia Summit is set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 16 to 18, with Chinese President Xi Jinping attending alongside leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This follow-up to the inaugural 2023 summit in Xi'an aims to deepen strategic partnerships with a focus on transport, energy, security governance, and the digital economy, reflecting a shift toward quality and implementation of previously agreed projects. Experts highlight the summit's importance in strengthening mutual cooperation and solidarity, promoting a China-Central Asia community with a shared future amid global geopolitical shifts and external pressures, including U.S. policy fluctuations. The Astana summit builds on the Xi'an Declaration, which established a formal mechanism for regular meetings among the heads of state to enhance multilateral cooperation. Cultural and humanitarian exchanges continue to be emphasized as vital to reinforcing unity and friendship between China and Central Asia. The event underscores the strategic significance of the partnership, which is seen as a key driver for regional peace, stability, and development.