Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Kazakhstan’s capital city of Astana on Monday to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit. 

After Xi’s plane entered Kazakh airspace, fighter jets of Kazakhstan’s air defense forces took off to escort it. 

Upon his arrival at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, Xi was welcomed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other senior officials at the airport. 

Kazakh teenagers and children, holding the national flags of China and Kazakhstan, warmly welcomed Xi’s visit. 

Accompanied by Tokayev, Xi watched the march-past performed by the guard of honor, as helicopters bearing the flags of both countries flew over the airport. 

Inside the airport VIP lounge, the two heads of state also enjoyed performances by Kazakh teenagers and children. 

Xi’s entourage, including Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister, arrived on the same plane. 

China’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin also came to the airport to greet Xi upon his arrival. 

As Xi’s motorcade made its way from the airport to the hotel, representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises and Chinese students gathered at the roadsides and warmly welcomed the Chinese president, waving national flags of China and Kazakhstan and holding red banners with warm messages.