US President Donald Trump is set to host a “C5” summit with the leaders of Central Asia, as the United States vies with China and Russia for influence in the region. The meeting is scheduled for November 6.
This American diplomatic push, confirmed by the leaders of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is a direct challenge to its rivals. Russia’s influence has been questioned since its Ukraine invasion, creating a power vacuum.
China has been expanding its economic footprint through its Belt and Road Initiative, while the EU has also increased its engagement. The US is now making its own significant play.
The five nations—spanning a vast, mineral-rich territory—are central to this competition. They possess rare earths and are working to become a key logistics corridor.
While three leaders have yet to confirm, the planned summit marks a significant step by the Trump administration to reassert American power in a critical part of the world.