Washington’s invitation for a November 6 summit is a major test of Central Asia’s famed “multi-vector” foreign policy, as leaders weigh the benefits of US ties against pressure from Russia and China.
The presidents of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have accepted the invitation from President Donald Trump. However, the leaders of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have remained notably silent.
This hesitation highlights the delicate diplomatic dance the C5 must perform. They are being actively courted by all sides—the EU, China, and Russia have all held C5 summits this year.
The war in Ukraine has weakened Moscow’s grip, allowing the US to make a more assertive play for influence.
At stake is access to a region rich in rare earths and its potential to become a key global trade corridor, independent of traditional Russian-controlled routes.