Trump to Host Central Asia Leaders in Push for Regional Influence
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump will host leaders of five Central Asian nations at the White House this week, stepping up efforts to expand U.S. influence in a region rich in energy and critical minerals. The meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic format and comes amid intensifying competition with China and Russia.
The Thursday summit will be the first C5+1 gathering held at the White House, though former President Joe Biden hosted a similar meeting in New York in 2023. The leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are expected to discuss energy cooperation, investment and regional security, according to officials.
The event follows recent outreach by other powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a regional summit in Tajikistan last month, while Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan in June to promote Belt and Road projects. In April, the European Union signed a €12 billion ($13.8 billion) investment deal with the bloc to boost transport, minerals and energy links.
Central Asian governments have sought to diversify ties since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, wary of overreliance on Moscow, which remains a key trading partner and security ally.
Ahead of the summit, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and officials in Uzbekistan to discuss partnerships in energy, logistics and critical minerals, according to both governments.
Washington’s renewed focus follows China’s temporary export curbs on rare earths, which heightened the search for alternative sources. Trump and Xi agreed to suspend the restrictions at talks in South Korea on Oct. 30.
The U.S. administration has backed talks for Cove Capital LLC to develop tungsten deposits in Kazakhstan and explore sites in Uzbekistan. Other commercial deals include Uzbekistan Airways’ $8 billion Boeing 787 order and a $4.2 billion rail contract between Kazakhstan and Wabtec Corp.
Analysts say regional governments will continue to balance between major powers.
“Although countries in the region are keen to hedge against China’s influence with Western investment, Russia’s determination to keep Western interests out of its backyard will limit U.S. and European access to strategic resources,” said Kate Mallinson, partner at PRISM Strategic Intelligence in London.
