Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazakhstan on July 2, at the start of a trip to Central Asia, where he will attend the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit as well as bolstering bilateral ties during state visits to three countries in the region. 

Due to its location, Central Asia plays a crucial role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and Beijing has been building its influence in the region for years, securing access to raw materials and transport routes.

Upon arrival in Astana, Xi was warmly received by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other senior officials. This visit is Xi's fifth trip to Kazakhstan and his second in less than two years.

Alongside Tokayev, he spoke of the “unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership” established by the two countries.

“I would like to confirm that China always views relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic height and with a long-term perspective, considering Kazakhstan a priority of its foreign policy in relations with neighbouring countries and an important partner in Central Asia,” Xi said. “Our will and determination to ensure Chinese-Kazakh relations remain unshakable.” 

Tokayev said the visit was “of exceptional importance”. “The People's Republic of China is a friendly neighbouring state, an important strategic partner and one of our main allies,” he said according to a statement from the presidency. 

“I note with satisfaction that Kazakh-Chinese relations, based on unbreakable friendship and mutual support, are developing at an unprecedented pace. I highly appreciate your significant contribution to strengthening the eternal comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China.”

Kazakhstan is China's largest trading partner in the Central Asia region, with bilateral trade reaching $41bn in 2023, a 32% increase from the previous year. Key Kazakh exports to China include oil, metals, grain and other agricultural products.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in enhancing connectivity and economic integration through various BRI projects. Major projects include the Zhanatas wind farm, the Turgusun hydropower station, and the modernisation of the Shymkent Oil Refinery.

In Astana, Xi is attending the summit of the SCO, a regional political and security alliance established in 2001 by China and Russia. As well as the two founders and four of the five Central Asian republics, it also includes India, Iran and Pakistan. Belarus is a prospective member. 

The July 3-4 summit in Astana will focus on economic and energy issues while also addressing the geopolitical fallout from Russia's war on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana for the summit on the morning of July 3.

China and Russia have grown closer since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, sharing a vision of a multipolar world order and reaching out to the Global South. However, the two nations vie for influence in Central Asia, a region historically under Moscow's sway but increasingly significant to Beijing's strategic interests.

Following the SCO summit, Xi will travel to Tajikistan to meet with President Emomali Rahmon, as well as to the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. The visits are part of China's broader strategy to expand its influence in Central Asia. 

In recent years, China has stepped up its investments in Central Asia, financing mega-projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway, and is also keen to build a railway linking the three countries. 

Central Asia's strategic importance to China has only increased as the region grapples with internal and external challenges. With Russia's focus diverted to Ukraine and the US reducing its presence following the withdrawal from Afghanistan, China is poised to fill the power vacuum and enhance its role as a key economic and security partner in the region.