China Eyes $2 Billion Uzbek Mining Bet as Central Asia Courtship Accelerates

China's National Energy Administration is deepening its ties in Central Asia, notably in Uzbekistan where it's eyeing a $2 billion mining investment. This follows a significant visit by Wang Hongzhi to Kazakhstan, where the inaugural meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Joint Working Group on Cooperation in Civil Nuclear Energy took place, resulting in a protocol outlining future nuclear energy cooperation. This surge in engagement underscores China's strategic interest in expanding its influence and securing energy resources in the region, which is crucial for its long-term economic and energy security.