Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled an "ambitious plan to help bring Central Asia to the next level of development," covering areas such as infrastructure and trade enhancement while avoiding foreign intervention. In a speech at the China-Central Asia Summit held in northwestern China, Xi stated that his country is ready to coordinate development strategies with the five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and to make joint efforts to promote development for all six countries.
In a later press conference with his Central Asian counterparts, Xi noted, "This summit has added new momentum to the development and revitalization of the six countries and injected strong positive energy into peace and stability in the region." He continued, "We will jointly adopt a new framework for integrative cooperation that is strong, high-level, and beneficial for all."
During the summit, Xi emphasized that "the world needs Central Asia to enjoy stability, prosperity, harmony, and good communication." He also stressed the necessity for the six countries to "oppose external intervention in regional countries' internal affairs and attempts to incite color revolutions or anti-regime protests, and to insist on zero tolerance for terrorism, separatism, and extremism."
The five former Soviet republics provide China with a network of trade routes that offer alternative pathways for transporting fuel, food, and other goods in case of global disruptions.
