Xi Jinping Strengthens China’s Ties with Central Asia Amid G7 Discussions

This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Kazakhstan to reinforce Beijing's relationships with the resource-rich nation and actively engage with other Central Asian countries, indicating China's expanding role as a dominant player in the region, a move that increasingly puts it in competition with Russia. On Tuesday, Xi held private discussions with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in Astana, taking place parallel to G7 meetings in Canada which addressed concerns over China's rising economic and military influence.

During his visit, Xi also expressed strong disapproval of Israel's military actions against Iran, stating that China “deeply regrets” the heightened tensions in the Middle East and opposing infringements on the sovereignty and security of countries. This condemnation contrasted sharply with G7 leaders' support for Israel's right to defend itself, indicating divergent stances between the two power blocs.

Kazakhstan is significant for Xi, as it was here in 2013 that he unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative, a major trade strategy expected to encompass over 145 nations. Central Asian projects under this initiative include vital infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines and transportation links, with trade between China and the region reaching unprecedented highs of $127 billion last year. Xi aims to create a stable political climate in Central Asia to support his country's development goals, particularly in the Xinjiang region.

In a recent editorial, the Chinese state media highlighted the growing partnership between China and Central Asian nations as a stabilizing influence amid global geopolitical tensions, contrasting it with perceived disunity among G7 members. Xi's government seeks to establish alternative international coalitions, like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and an expanded BRICS, to counter Western-dominated forums that emerged post-World War II.

Although China is often viewed as Russia's closest ally, the geopolitical realities shaped by the Ukraine conflict have enabled Beijing to enhance its own leverage in Central Asia, traditionally considered Moscow's sphere of influence. Central Asian nations, particularly Tajikistan, are on alert due to Russia's aggression, and Xi reaffirmed China's support for Tajikistan's sovereignty during his interactions with President Emomali Rahmon.

While China is gaining economic strength in the region, Central Asian nations still rely heavily on remittances from migrant workers in Russia. Experts suggest that the rivalry between Russia and China in Central Asia does not have to be zero-sum, as both countries can coexist, despite the challenges Russia faces due to its actions and geopolitical strategies. Russia and China have been competing for influence in Central Asia for years, with historical tensions noted in trade dynamics and energy projects, although current diplomatic relations appear to be at a high point.