Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for closer security coordination between Central Asia and China, warning that expanding trade and infrastructure links are exposing the region to increasingly sophisticated cross-border threats.
Speaking at a meeting of interior ministers and public security officials under the “Central Asia-China” framework in Astana, Tokayev said economic cooperation depended on stability and stronger coordination between law enforcement agencies.
He highlighted the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as an increasingly important link in Eurasian logistics, particularly as global supply chains adapt to geopolitical tensions. At the same time, he warned that rising cargo volumes increase the risks of smuggling, narcotics trafficking and the illegal movement of weapons.
Those risks are becoming more pronounced as Central Asia expands its role as a transit corridor between Asia and Europe, increasing exposure to organised criminal networks operating across borders.
Tokayev said transnational crime was becoming more technologically advanced, with cybercrime evolving into a highly profitable global industry causing billions of dollars in economic losses. Criminal groups, he said, increasingly use digital platforms to coordinate operations, launder illicit proceeds and launch attacks that are difficult to contain within national jurisdictions.
The meeting focused on regional security, cybercrime, extremism, drug trafficking and other cross-border threats. Tokayev also raised concerns about artificial intelligence, warning that the technology could become an “information weapon” in the hands of destructive groups, amplifying digital risks and complicating efforts to counter them.
Among the measures proposed was closer institutional coordination between law enforcement agencies, including the integration of databases to accelerate information sharing and improve responses to transnational crime.
The Astana talks build on agreements reached during the first meeting of interior and public security ministers in the “Central Asia-China” format, held in the Chinese city of Lianyungang in September 2024. Participants agreed to establish a platform for regular exchanges between law enforcement agencies, with cooperation since expanding into training and professional development.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 4 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after an 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck ploughed into a religious procession in north-eastern Thailand, police said.
Armenia's parliament has passed a new law raising the requirements for citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, following concerns over alleged efforts to influence last month's parliamentary vote through Armenian citizens residing in Russia.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Georgia’s only oil refinery will stop using Russian crude oil by September to preserve access to Western markets, its operator has said.
Iran has begun talks with Japan about selling oil to Japanese companies, according to Iranian and Western sources. The discussions come less than a month after the U.S. eased decades-old sanctions on Iranian oil as part of efforts to secure a final peace deal with Tehran.
At least 40 people were killed after a passenger bus plunged off a highway into a ravine in southwestern Pakistan, officials said on Friday (3 July).
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