11:16⇢Central Asia Summit launches in Astana
⌨The newspapers report on the formal launch of the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, with Xi Jinping conducting bilateral meetings with all five Central Asian leaders. Twelve outlets provide synchronized coverage of Xi's encounters with presidents from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, emphasizing trade expansion and bilateral investment (Beijing Daily, CCTV English, China Daily, China Daily Chinese, China Military Online, Global Times, Xinhua News, Xinhua News Chinese, China Economic Net, People's Daily English). The coverage represents the culmination of the diplomatic tour, transitioning from individual bilateral talks to the multilateral summit format. Meanwhile, domestic fiscal policy receives attention as local governments gain expanded authority to use special bonds for clearing corporate debt and existing PPP project construction (Caixin Chinese). International analysis surfaces regarding Israel's military strategy against Iran, with BBC Chinese examining how Israel's compact but elite forces could delay but not destroy Iran's nuclear program. The summit coordination demonstrates the peak of state media messaging around Central Asian diplomatic engagement.