China's Xi headed to Central Asia summit in Kazakhstan: state media

Chinese President Xi Jinping departed Beijing on Monday for Astana, Kazakhstan, where he will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.Xi will hold bilateral meetings before the summit on Tuesday, Kazakhstan's presidency said. The heads of state of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan will also attend.The trip is Xi's third overseas this year, following visits to Southeast Asia and Russia.China is in competition with Russia -- the former colonial power in Central Asia -- for influence in the vast region, which is almost as big as the European Union but with a total population of just 80 million people.Central Asia is an important strategic target for China in its Belt and Road initiative -- which uses huge infrastructure investments as a political and diplomatic lever.The region is also rich in natural resources and Chinese investment could facilitate trade with Europe.The five Central Asian republics have been trying to reduce their dependence on Russia and increase partnerships with other countries.That move has accelerated since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.