The leaders of Central Asia are engaged in a delicate diplomatic dance, with a US summit planned for November 6. While Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have confirmed, three other nations remain silent.
This hesitation from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan highlights the intense pressure they face from competing superpowers.
The Washington summit is the latest in a series of high-level meetings. The C5 leaders have already been hosted by Russia, China, and the EU this year, all vying for influence.
The region is a key strategic prize, rich in rare earths and other resources. Russia’s traditional role has been weakened by the Ukraine war, creating a vacuum that the US and China are rushing to fill.
The Central Asian states are attempting to navigate this complex environment to their own benefit, seeking economic investment while maintaining their political autonomy.