Xu Tianchen added:" Central Asia provides a reasonable return-risk mix, especially with its rich energy reserves and acceptable security situation." Despite geopolitical tensions surrounding Xinjiang, exemplified by Western sanctions and accusations, the region continues to witness burgeoning foreign trade, underscoring its pivotal role in China's broader economic strategy. China's leveraging of Xinjiang's strategic geography, boasting borders with eight countries including Russia, Mongolia, and

In fact, the countries that border Xinjiang in the West – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan – are east of Eastern Europe and referred to as Central Asia.” He added that the region is an historical thoroughfare for land-based trade, and is home to many ethnic groups – Chinese, Hui, Kazakhs, Tajiks, Uighurs – living together, speaking languages that have blended ancient Chinese, Persian, Turkic and Indian languages.Mr Ong has been in Xinjiang since Oct 20 and will end his working visit on Oct 25.