China-Central Asia

The summit produced the clearest iteration of Chinese interests in and commitments to Central Asia to date, but there's no "new blueprint" for relations.

Xi has prepared an "important speech" and the six leaders are expected to jointly sign an "important political document.”

While the meeting with Putin stole headlines, Xi’s trips to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are about far more than Russia.

Beijing might say that there's no geopolitics wrapped up in its regional engagements, but it's plain to see.

The visits by all five Central Asian presidents to China for the opening of the Beijing Games illustrate the importance of the relationship for both sides.

None expect China to replace the United States in military terms, but Central Asia may hope Beijing plays a more substantial role in Afghanistan.

China’s contribution to Central Asian rail connectivity remains miniscule.

Chinese authorities have put increasing pressure on ethnic Kazakhs and Kyrgyz in Xinjiang.

Central Asia's Turkic majorities will play a crucial role in the success of China's One Belt, One Road.

China's response to the U.S. pivot to Asia -- a "march west" -- faces serious hurdles.

Authorities stress that the fight was just a fight, not a pending geopolitical flash point.