The president of the PRC’s speech delivered at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana reflects China’s strategic and multifaceted approach to deepening ties with Central Asian nations. Xi Jinping begins by acknowledging the hospitality of Kazakhstan and recalling the 2023 Xi’an Summit, using the symbolic image of blooming pomegranate trees to signify the flourishing cooperation among the six participating nations. This metaphor sets the tone for a speech that seeks to highlight both the progress made and the vision for the future of China-Central Asia relations. The introductory remarks establish a narrative of continuity, growth, and shared commitment to regional development and connectivity.
The core of Xi’s speech centers on concrete achievements since the last summit. Trade between China and Central Asian countries has increased by 35%, with tangible outcomes in areas like infrastructure, transportation, and green energy. Specific projects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and expanded freight routes, demonstrate China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in action. The emphasis on technological innovation, AI, and green mining technologies illustrates a desire to future-proof the partnership and align it with global trends in sustainable and digital development. These examples show how China positions itself not only as a financier but also as a driver of modernization in the region and across the globe.
Equally important is Xi’s focus on cultural and educational exchanges, which complement economic cooperation. Initiatives like visa-free travel, student exchanges, and the proliferation of Chinese universities and cultural institutions in Central Asia reinforce China’s soft power strategy. References to Chinese dramas gaining popularity in Central Asia, and the establishment of 100 sister-city partnerships, underscore the intent to foster people-to-people bonds. This cultural diplomacy is strategically aligned with China’s broader narrative of peaceful development and shared prosperity, adding a human dimension to economic partnerships.
The speech also offers a philosophical underpinning for the relationship through the articulation of the “China-Central Asia Spirit.” This framework—based on respect, trust, mutual benefit, and assistance—aims to enshrine principles of equality and shared development. By emphasizing equality among nations regardless of size, Xi aligns China’s regional strategy with values that resonate strongly in post-Soviet Central Asia, where sensitivities about sovereignty and autonomy remain high. The use of repeated rhetorical structures such as “we should” and “we support” throughout the speech further emphasizes collective agency and shared goals.
Security cooperation is another key pillar. The president outlines China’s willingness to support Central Asia in combating terrorism, enhancing cybersecurity, and strengthening national defense systems. The mention of Afghanistan, a neighbor to several Central Asian countries, adds a layer of geopolitical awareness and reflects China’s concern for regional stability. This component of the speech signals Beijing’s recognition that economic and cultural exchanges cannot thrive without security, and it positions China as a reliable partner in maintaining peace in a volatile region.
In conclusion, the speech is a well-structured and comprehensive articulation of China’s regional diplomacy, blending economic incentives, cultural outreach, security collaboration, and ideological framing. It positions China not only as a regional leader but as a global actor championing multipolarity, fairness, and peaceful development. Through both symbolism and substance, Xi underscores a vision of China-Central Asia cooperation that is both strategic and emotive, rooted in historical ties yet oriented toward future challenges and opportunities. The consistent message of unity, mutual benefit, and long-term partnership reinforces China’s ambition to solidify its influence in Central Asia through diplomacy that is as much about trust and friendship as it is about infrastructure and investment.
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