Chinese President Xi Jinping departed Beijing on July 2, 2024, for a significant diplomatic mission to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, with the centerpiece being his attendance at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. This visit underscores China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asian nations and promoting regional cooperation.Xi is accompanied by high-ranking Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The SCO summit, scheduled for July 4 at the Palace of Independence in Astana, will bring together leaders from 16 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.During his visit, Xi will hold in-depth talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, focusing on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, security, and regional stability. In an article for Kazinform, Xi expressed his expectations for the visit, highlighting the importance of the China-Kazakhstan relationship and the need to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges.The SCO, a nine-member organization that includes half of the world’s population, aims to promote security, stability, and development among its member countries. Xi’s diplomatic endeavor is seen as part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its influence in Central Asia and advance its Belt and Road Initiative.In his statements, Xi emphasized China’s opposition to hegemony, power politics, and bloc confrontation, while promoting equal and orderly multipolarity and open and inclusive globalization. This visit marks Xi’s second foreign trip this year, following his European tour in May, and comes at a time when China is seeking to play a larger role in global affairs.
Key points
- Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, attending the 24th SCO summit in Astana.
- The visit aims to strengthen China’s ties with Central Asian nations and promote regional cooperation.
- Xi will meet with leaders including Vladimir Putin and discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional stability.
