Central Asia forges ties with China as Xi touts 'enduring' friendship
By Andrew Hayley XIAN, China (Reuters) - Central Asian heads of state converged in China's historic city of Xian on Thursday for one-on-ones with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to seal pledges of enduring friendship, paving the way for a summit expected to result in a regional pact with Beijing. The bilaterals set the stage for a group huddle on Friday, the first in-person gathering of the six leaders, where Xi will deliver an important speech, according to China's foreign ministry. An important political document will also be signed. Across the city of Xian, from where the ancient Silk Road linked...