China-Central Asia Summit: Five things you need to know

This aerial photo taken on May 2, 2023 shows a night view of the Bell Tower in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. [Xinhua/Liu Xiao]

XI'AN -- What is the China-Central Asia Summit?

The China-Central Asia Summit is a high-level gathering held by China and five Central Asian countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is of milestone significance in the development of relations between China and Central Asian countries.

When will it be held? Who will attend?

It will be held on May 18 and 19. The heads of state of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will attend the summit.

Where will it be held? Why there?

The summit will be held in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Xi'an is a historic city that was founded around 3,100 years ago. Formerly known as Chang'an, it is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, which saw flourishing interactions between China and Central Asia.

Today, the city's confident and inclusive culture has captivated global interest. This is evidenced by the city's hosting of prestigious international events such as the Silk Road International Film Festival, the Silk Road International Exposition, and the upcoming China-Central Asia Summit.

What are the topics of the summit?

The heads of state will review the development of China-Central Asia relations and exchange views on China-Central Asia mechanism building, cooperation in various fields and major international and regional issues of common interest.

The heads of state will also sign important political documents.

Why does the summit carry huge significance?

It is the first major diplomatic activity that China hosts this year, and also the first summit held offline by the heads of state of the six countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago. The event is a historic milestone in the development of relations between China and Central Asian countries.

Primarily, the summit will further deepen strategic mutual trust between China and Central Asian countries.

The landmark gathering will also inject new impetus into high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Central Asian countries were among the first to publicly support the Belt and Road Initiative and are pioneers in Belt and Road cooperation.

Moreover, the summit will make new contributions to maintaining regional security. China and Central Asian countries have achieved remarkable results in jointly cracking down on religious extremists, ethnic separatists and violent terrorist forces, effectively guaranteeing national and regional security.

With the joint efforts from all parties, this summit will design a new blueprint for China-Central Asia relations and open up a new era of cooperation.