Chinese president to embark on diplomatic tour to Central Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend a series of diplomatic engagements, including participation in a leaders' meeting and official state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

The country's foreign ministry said the visit will start on July 2, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In recent times, China has intensified its diplomatic initiatives in the Central Asian region. During a summit hosted by China in May, which saw the attendance of several Central Asian leaders, Xi called for a deepening of economic ties between the nations.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stated on Sunday, "President Xi Jinping will attend the 24th meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in Astana" and will conduct state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

President Xi Jinping's five-day journey, scheduled from July 2 to 6, will include two state visits. The trips are in response to invitations from the presidents of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Emomali Rahmon, respectively.

Central Asia holds a crucial position in China's ambitious Belt and Road project, which aims to develop international infrastructure. The region has gained increased attention from Beijing following Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine in 2022, as former Soviet states express concerns about Moscow's growing belligerence.