These states play a critical role in the race for nuclear dominance, as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan make up more than half of the world’s uranium production.
President Donald Trump is hosting Central Asian leaders at the White House on Nov. 6, amid fast-tracked efforts to de-risk supply chains from China.
Five former Soviet, Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—have joined the United States as the C5+1 diplomatic platform since 2015, making this summit its tenth anniversary.
This year’s gathering will focus on strengthening economic and cultural ties, according to the State Department, including a panel discussion with business executives.
It comes as Russia and China are strengthening ties and the United States competes with both authoritarian states for influence in the region, which has substantial economic ties to Russia and China.
The Central Asian states are also rich in minerals and may offer a critical mineral supply alternative to China.
During Trump’s recent Asia tour, he signed memorandums of understanding with Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand to cooperate on surveying, investments, and production of critical minerals while protecting the industry from non-market actors like the Chinese regime.
The president recently said that in a year and a half, the United States’ complete dependence on China for critical minerals—a strategic vulnerability three decades in the making—will no longer be an issue.
Gracelin Baskaran, a director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the administration will pursue government-to-government engagement but also commercial deals that secure U.S. access to vital minerals.
“As China and Russia entrench their control over the region’s mining, processing, and infrastructure systems, Washington is seeking to establish a tangible foothold through targeted strategic projects,” Baskaran said.
These states may also play a critical role in the race for nuclear dominance, as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan together make up more than half of the world’s uranium production.
