Xi Jinping’s Visit to Kazakhstan: Deepening China–Central Asia Ties for a Shared Future

At the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from June 16 to 18 to attend the second China–Central Asia Summit. This high-level event marks another milestone in the growing cooperation between China and the five Central Asian nations, as leaders gather to

shape a shared vision for regional development.

Strengthening the China–Central Asia Mechanism

“The China–Central Asia mechanism is a product of shared wisdom among six countries,” President Xi has said. In a time of global change, he has

repeatedly stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among regional partners. Since China first proposed the initiative,

the mechanism has matured into a vital platform, underpinned by deepening ties and mutual understanding.

A Look Back at the First Summit in Xi’an

The first China–Central Asia Summit took place on May 19, 2023, in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. President Xi delivered a keynote speech titled "Jointly

Building a China–Central Asia Community with a Shared Future: Mutual Assistance, Common Development, Universal Security, and Everlasting Friendship." He

emphasized the revival of the ancient Silk Road and the formation of a future-oriented partnership that has elevated bilateral ties to new heights.

The night before the summit, Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan hosted a grand welcome ceremony and banquet for the visiting Central Asian heads of state and their spouses at Tang Paradise in Xi’an. Xi pointed out that Shaanxi, the eastern gateway of the ancient Silk Road, bears witness to the two millennia of China–Central Asia friendship.

A Vision First Shared in Kazakhstan

President Xi’s engagement with Central Asia goes back to 2013, when he delivered his landmark speech "Promote People-to-People Friendship and Create a Better Future Together" at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan. There, he famously stated: “A close

neighbor is better than a distant relative,” reaffirming China's commitment to being a reliable and friendly partner to Central Asia.

30 Years of Diplomatic Achievements

At the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties in January 2022, President Xi hosted a virtual summit with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries. He laid out four key principles of successful cooperation: mutual respect, good-neighborly friendship, solidarity, and mutual benefit. These principles, he said, are the political foundation for stable and lasting

bilateral ties.

Cooperation in a Changing World

Xi’s message at the 10th China–Central Asia Cooperation Forum in September 2023 reaffirmed that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), now over a decade old, has placed

China–Central Asia cooperation at the forefront of international collaboration. The May 2023 summit helped usher in a new era of deeper ties

and broader possibilities.

Building Momentum Through Diplomatic Engagement

High-level exchanges remain frequent. On July 5, 2024, Xi met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe, where they jointly announced a new phase in bilateral strategic partnership. Xi reaffirmed the importance of the China–Central Asia mechanism and China’s commitment to making it more effective.

Earlier, in January 2023, Xi met with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and praised the "China + Central Asia Five" model for being transparent, practical, and mutually beneficial.

A Shared Future for the Region

At the close of the first summit, Xi and the five Central Asian leaders declared a united front to face global challenges and build a tighter-knit China–Central Asia community. The goal is to contribute to the broader vision of a global community with a shared future.

In a letter to the China–Central Asia Industry and Investment Forum in February 2023, Xi stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in supply chains,

industrial development, and investment. He invited Central Asian countries to benefit from China’s large market, advanced

technologies, and complete industrial system.

Young People as Bridges of Friendship

Xi has also encouraged youth to be cultural ambassadors. In 2023, he replied to letters from Central Asian students at China

University of Petroleum, urging them to carry forward the friendship between China and Central Asia and to tell the world the story

of their shared journey.

Looking Ahead

At the Xi’an summit banquet, President Xi called the deepening of China–Central Asia relations a strategic choice aligned with long-term goals and the aspirations of the people. With China’s door wide open, he welcomed Central Asian partners aboard the fast train of

China’s development to create a brighter, shared future.

This visit and the upcoming summit are more than diplomatic milestones—they represent a renewed commitment to lasting friendship, regional growth, and collective progress.