Chinese President Xi Jinping Arrives in Kazakhstan for State Visit and Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a significant state visit that will see him attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana. The SCO, a nine-member alliance that spans from Moscow to Beijing, represents around half of the world's population, with permanent members including Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran .

During his trip, Xi will engage in "in-depth" talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on bilateral relations, cooperation in key areas, and the regional and international landscape. The two leaders will also participate in various state events, including a welcoming ceremony, signing ceremony, and a banquet. Xi's entourage includes top-ranking officials, such as Cai Qi, a member of the Chinese Communist Party, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Why it Matters : Xi's visit to Kazakhstan and subsequent trip to Tajikistan are crucial in the context of China's growing diplomatic efforts in Central Asia. Beijing has been seeking to fill the void created by Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as former Soviet states worry about an increasingly bellicose Russia. China's Belt and Road international infrastructure development project, which aims to connect the country with Europe and other parts of Asia, relies heavily on Central Asia as a vital link. By strengthening economic ties with the region, China aims to promote security, stability, and development among its member countries, ultimately contributing to "lasting peace and common prosperity in the world" .

China's diplomatic push in Central Asia is also driven by its desire to reduce its reliance on the West and diversify its trade relationships. The country has pledged to expand transport links with the region and forge ahead with a Central Asia-China gas pipeline, which will significantly boost its energy security. As Beijing assumes the SCO's rotating presidency for the 2024-2025 period, Xi's visit is expected to set the tone for a new era of cooperation between China and its Central Asian neighbors.

Key Takeaways:

• Xi Jinping begins significant state visit to Kazakhstan, attending the SCO's 24th Council of Heads of State meeting.
• SCO, with nine member states including China, Russia, India, and Kazakhstan, represents half of the world's population.
• China aims to enhance influence in Central Asia post-Ukraine invasion, focusing on security and development.
• Xi's visit expected to boost economic ties, with plans for transport links and a Central Asia-China gas pipeline.
• Beijing assumes SCO presidency for 2024-2025, signaling deeper cooperation with Central Asian nations.