China's Growing Influence in Central Asia and Russia's Backyard.

China is hosting an in-person summit of central Asian leaders for the first time, seeking to strengthen 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. China's trade with the five Central Asia states has multiplied a hundred-fold since the establishment of diplomatic ties three decades ago. In exchange for greater economic cooperation, China will be seeking support in keeping the region secure.