Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) soared in the first half of 2025, reaching $124 billion—surpassing the total for all of 2024. A significant share of this capital flowed into Central Asia, particularly into metals and mining, suggesting Beijing is securing critical resources amid rising trade tensions with the United States.
Kazakhstan emerged as the top investment destination, receiving $23 billion, including a $12 billion aluminium complex by China’s East Hope Group. Analysts at the China-Global South Project, citing data from Griffith Asia Institute, say the surge reflects China’s strategic pivot to resource-heavy sectors in response to global trade uncertainty.
While Chinese funding in Europe and the Middle East has declined, the intensified focus on Central Asia appears precautionary. According to the Green Finance & Development Centre, the ongoing US-China trade conflict may have accelerated, rather than initiated, this shift. Meanwhile, the US has also moved to strengthen its own partnerships in the region, including critical mineral investments with Uzbekistan.
