Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a state visit to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan from July 2 to 6, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on June 30. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between China and the Central Asian countries.
Xi's itinerary includes attending the 24th meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The summit will provide a platform for discussing regional security, economic cooperation, and other strategic interests among member states.
"President Xi Jinping will attend the 24th meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in Astana," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
In addition to the summit, Xi will conduct state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan at the invitations of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Emomali Rahmon, respectively.
This trip stresses Beijing's intensified diplomatic engagement in Central Asia. In May, China hosted a summit with leaders from the region, where Xi emphasized the importance of deepening economic cooperation. The summit culminated in China's commitment to enhancing transport links and advancing the Central Asia-China gas pipeline project.
Central Asia plays a crucial role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, an ambitious international infrastructure development project aimed at improving global trade routes. Amid geopolitical shifts, particularly following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, China has sought to expand its influence in the region as former Soviet states express concerns over Russia's growing assertiveness.
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