How 2 years and Russia’s war in Ukraine shifted China’s relationship with Central Asia

Central Asian nations in Moscow’s traditional backyard have clearly edged closer to Beijing in the two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, diplomatic observers said as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a five-day trip to the region.

Xi headed back to China on Saturday after stops in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, former Soviet states that are increasingly reliant on Beijing.

Xi’s trip began with the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Kazakh capital of Astana, where he also held separate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Central Asia, Turkey and Belarus.

In Kazakhstan, where Xi launched his signature Belt and Road Initiative 11 years ago and last visited in 2022 on his first post-Covid trip abroad, the Chinese leader hailed the “unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries.

The Central Asian nation is a key source of energy and a centrepiece in Beijing’s top foreign policy and overseas investment scheme, and during Xi’s stop, the two sides signed more than a dozen deals and documents, according to state media and observers.