China, Central Asia sign ‘eternal’ friendship treaty in Kazakhstan

What happened?
Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of five Central Asian countries signed a treaty titled:
“Treaty on Eternal Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation.”

Where and When?

• Signed during a China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, June 2025.

Significance:

• Symbolically declares "eternal friendship" between China and the Central Asian nations.

• Highlights China’s increasing regional influence amid reduced Russian and Western presence.

• Reinforces China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) ties and energy, trade, and security cooperation with Central Asia.

Who are the Five Central Asian Countries?

• Kazakhstan

• Kyrgyzstan

• Tajikistan

• Turkmenistan

• Uzbekistan