This past week, Chinese media paid attention to Kazakhstan’s change of government as well as the cultural importance of China’s relations with Central Asia in view of the New Lunar Year celebrations in the region. Additionally, updates about the BRI such as the resumption of works on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway and the growth in economic ties between Xinjiang and Central Asia were highlighted. Diplomacy-wise, Kazakhstan's upcoming chairmanship of the International Conference on Nuclear Safety and hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit attracted media coverage.

Media reports detailed the resignation of the Kazakhstani government, as approved by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev under Article 70 of the country’s Constitution (CCTV). The dissolved government was formed on 12 January 2022 with Alikhan Smailov as Prime Minister, following the socio-political unrest of January 2022.

Roman Sklyar, the first deputy prime minister of Kazakhstan, was named acting prime minister by presidential proclamation (Xinhua). Until the new government's composition is confirmed, the members of the government will continue to carry out their duties. This move comes as Kazakhstan's ruling party, the "Amanat" party, nominated Olzhas Bektenov as a candidate for the post of prime minister (CCTV), which was seen as a reflection of Kazakhstan's commitment to promoting competent leadership and ensuring smooth governance transitions. The resignation of the government also mirrors a willingness to adapt to evolving socio-economic challenges and address public demands for reform. Chinese media highlighted this as a demonstration of Kazakhstan's commitment to political stability and effective governance, which are essential for attracting investment and promoting economic development.

On the cultural front, China’s Lunar New Year celebrations were seen as an opportunity to promote the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between China and Central Asia. Coverage therefore included the dynamic promotional posters of CCTV's Spring Festival Gala showcased in Kazakhstan’s capital city of Astana (CCTV). Likewise, a concert was held to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Uzbekistan (Xinhua). Additionally, Turkmenistan celebrated the closing ceremony of its "Year of Chinese Culture" in Ashgabat, which is said to highlight the successful exchange of cultural activities between the two nations (People’s Daily).

Since the inauguration of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, Chinese media prominently features updates on various BRI projects in Central Asia, as it is also an essential pillar in China-Central Asia relations. Reports this week highlighted the progress made in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, railways, and energy pipelines.  After 25 years of pause, work on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway (China Daily), which is a crucial portion of the China-Europe freight railway line's western route and southern passage, finally resumed last year. According to Chinese media, its development can be accelerated to complement the railway artillery through Siberia as soon as possible. This would help to better stabilize the logistics between China and Europe by decreasing the pressures from 2023’s Red Sea crisis on international shipping routes.

The BRI has also facilitated China's economic cooperation with Central Asian countries, particularly in trade and infrastructure development. This past week, it was the growing economic ties between the Chinese autonomous Uygur region of Xinjiang and Central Asia that received attention in reports (China News Service). Xinjiang achieved significant growth in exports to all five Central Asian countries in 2023, reaching a record-breaking $34.3 billion. Chinese media highlighted the role of Xinjiang as a key hub for trade and connectivity between China and Central Asia. BRI's expansion in the region has been emphasized as a crucial component of China's efforts to enhance connectivity and promote economic cooperation with Central Asian nations.

As for China's diplomatic engagements with Central Asian nations, they were also highlighted in reports from various media outlets. In a phone call with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of joint support for Kazakhstan's successful hosting of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit (China News Service). This demonstrates on the one hand China's attention to regional cooperation and stability in Central Asia, but also on the other hand, Kazakhstan’s growing diplomatic responsibilities. Kazakhstan's upcoming chairmanship of the International Conference on Nuclear Safety, jointly with Australia, was also noted in last week’s news as a significant diplomatic endeavor, reflecting Kazakhstan's leadership in nuclear security and international cooperation (China Daily).