China moves to cement ties with Uzbekistan amid tussle with US for Central Asian influence
Premier Li Qiang told President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Saturday that Beijing was ready to strengthen strategic communication and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan. He urged the two countries to step up cooperation in energy, minerals, finance and connectivity, and to deepen collaboration in fields such as AI and aerospace, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Why it matters: The visit sits within the briefing's theme of great-power competition for influence in Central Asia, where the source title frames China's outreach as a tussle with the United States.