Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to build more railway and other trade links with Central Asia at a meeting on Friday, while also proposing to jointly develop oil and gas resources in the region.
He said this during the two-day China-Central Asia Summit in the western city of Xi’an. The meeting reflects Beijing’s efforts to develop a China-centric trade and security architecture, challenging US dominance in global affairs.
It is noteworthy that the meeting took place at a time when the leaders of the G7 economies, including US President Joe Biden, were meeting in Japan. Addressing the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Xi said, “We need economic and trade cooperation.” There is a need to expand ties.” China is making economic inroads into Central Asia, including through the Belt and Road Initiative to build railways and other trade-related infrastructure.
PC:euro news