China Expands Its Central Asian Footprint Through Aviation, Energy, and Trade

AI Summary

China and Central Asian countries are working to expand aviation links, alongside broader energy and trade engagement. Kazakhstan agreed to increase permitted weekly flights to China from 150 to 180 and add routes, while Uzbekistan plans to raise weekly flights from 100 to 114.

China and Central Asia are acting fast to expand air links. Chinese and Central Asian aviation officials gathered in Tashkent on November 3-5 for a Working Group session under the C5+1 format to improve implementation of existing agreements and review expansion plans. During the meeting, Kazakhstan agreed to raise permitted weekly flights from 150 to 180 and add routes to Chengdu and Kashgar. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, agreed to increase the number of weekly flights to China from 100 to 114. Uzbekistan also proposed establishing new routes connecting…