China will for the first time host an in-person summit of Central Asian leaders this week, seeking to cement ties in a region seen as Russia's backyard as its relations with the West sour. President Xi Jinping is expected to discuss deepening economic and security links with counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, former Soviet states that analysts say are eager for alternative sources of investment with Moscow's focus fixed on its war in Ukraine. The two-day summit starts on May 18 in the western city of Xi'an. To read the original story by Reuters, click here.
China Looks To Strengthen Ties In Russia's Central Asian Backyard
Chinese President Xi Jinping (center) and all the Central Asian presidents attend a virtual summit to mark 30 years of relations in January 2022.