China's Expanding Influence in Central Asia Takes Center Stage at SCO Summit

As Washington’s strategic focus shifts and energy and grain supply disruptions continue to unsettle the Middle East, Beijing’s expanding presence across Central Asia is expected to be in focus as Kyrgyzstan hosts the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week.

China-Central Asia goods trade hit a record US$106 billion last year, according to Chinese government data, making Beijing the largest trading partner of the five countries combined for the first time.

Li Lifan, an expert on Russia and Central Asia at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said the SCO and Central Asia held special significance for Beijing.

“As global competition intensifies between the US-led West and the emerging Global South amid a fractured international order, Beijing has placed greater weight on the SCO and Central Asia as a whole,” Li said, adding that “by deepening engagement and aligning more closely with Central Asian partners, China seeks to build common ground and present a more united front”.

“Through the SCO, China can project power and influence aspects of the global order,” he said, noting that the group’s expansion showcased China’s diplomatic appeal and influence.