Central Asia leaders converge in China as Xi touts ‘enduring’ friendship

The bilateral talks will set the stage for a group meeting on Friday, the first in-person gathering of the six leaders, where Xi will deliver an “important” speech and an “important” political document will be signed.

Central Asian heads of state converged in China’s historic city of Xian on Thursday for one-on-ones with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to seal pledges of “enduring” friendship, and paving the way for a summit expected to result in a regional pact with Beijing.