Xi reshapes China's Central Asia ties with $70B in trade
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has reshaped China's economic ties with Central Asia, boosting bilateral trade to $70 billion. The shift reflects Beijing's growing influence in the region, even as Western engagement lags.
Trade Growth
China's trade with Central Asia reached $70 billion in 2025, up from $30 billion in 2013 when Xi took office. Kazakhstan accounts for over half of the total, with $40 billion in bilateral trade. The increase is driven by Chinese investment in infrastructure and energy.
Investment and Loans
Chinese banks have provided $50 billion in loans to Central Asian governments since 2013, according to data from the China Global Investment Tracker. Major projects include the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and oil fields in Kazakhstan. The loans are often tied to Chinese contractors and equipment.
Strategic Shift
Xi's Belt and Road Initiative has made China the dominant economic partner for all five Central Asian states. The region's exports to China have tripled, while imports from China have doubled. This has reduced the influence of Russia and the West in the region.
What's Next
China is expected to sign new investment deals at the upcoming SCO summit in July. It remains unclear whether the region can balance Chinese dominance with other partnerships.
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Xi reshapes China's Central Asia ties with $70B in trade
