“China-Central Asia Spirit” sheds light on new blueprint of cooperation

At the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan from June 16 to 18. In a friendly atmosphere, the heads of state reviewed the achievements of China-Central Asia cooperation in various fields since the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an, and compared notes about the future development. They unanimously decided to promote the “China-Central Asia Spirit”, adhere to permanent good-neighborliness and friendship, and jointly advance the building of a China-Central Asia community of shared future.

“Deepening China-Central Asia cooperation is a strategic choice with a view to the future made by our generation of leaders. It is in line with the trend of the world and meets the expectations of the people,” the Chinese President solemnly pointed out at the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an two years ago.

“ ‘China-Central Asia Spirit’ provides an important guideline for friendly cooperation from generation to generation. We must always adhere to it and continue to carry it forward,” re-emphasized President at the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit in Astana.

Rooted in the traditional friendship of over 2,000 years and thriving in the solidarity and mutual trust of more than 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Central Asia cooperation has increasingly enriched its connotations. Just like the pomegranate tree planted by the heads of state of the six countries, it is now in full bloom and becoming more and more splendid.

China and Central Asian nations adhere to mutual respect and equal treatment, deepen mutual trust and respond to each other’s calls. The relationship between China and Central Asian countries features profound historical origins, extensive practical needs, and solid popular support. President Xi has visited Central Asia nine times and has received Central Asian leaders on multiple occasions. Bilateral and multilateral interactions have continuously been enhanced.

In 2020, China proposed the establishment of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, which was later upgraded to the head-of-state level upon the suggestion of all parties. In 2023, the 1st China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held, marking the beginning of a new era in China-Central Asia relations. In April this year, the 6th China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held.

During the meeting, all parties reaffirmed their support for multilateralism and emphasized the importance of enhancing dialogue and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. They also restated their support for international trade rules, rejected unilateralism and protectionism, and pledged to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests while promoting regional trade connectivity.

China and Central Asian countries adhere to mutual benefit and common development, as well as solidarity and joint efforts in times of difficulty. As fellow travelers on the path to modernization, enhancing cooperation to boost development momentum is a firm choice of China and Central Asian countries. Central Asia is not only the birthplace of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, but also a pioneer in its high-quality joint construction. China and the five Central Asian countries have all signed“Belt and Road Initiative”cooperation agreements.

In 2024, imports and exports between China and Central Asian countries reached a record high of 674.15 billion yuan, an increase of 116% compared to 2013. The China-Kazakhstan Crude Oil Pipeline and the China-Central Asia Natural Gas Pipeline have created a new model of win-win cooperation. The China-Tajikistan highway, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway and railway have pushed regional connectivity to a new level. China has implemented mutual visa exemption with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The establishment of “Luban Workshops” (named after ancient Chinese craftsman Luban) is accelerating. Cultural exchanges and people-to-people connectivity have been fast-tracked.

During this summit, it was agreed that 2025 to 2026 would be designated as the “Year of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation”. Twelve cooperation agreements were signed in areas such as joint construction of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, facilitation of personnel exchanges, green mining, trade connectivity, interconnectivity, industry and customs, along with multiple sister-city agreements. China-Central Asia Cooperation Center for Poverty Reduction, The Education Exchange and Cooperation Center, Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center, and the Trade Facilitation Cooperation Platform were officially inaugurated. Cooperation in various fields is flourishing and yielding fruitful results.

“China has never attached any political strings to its cooperation with Kazakhstan,” “Uzbekistan is grateful for the selfless support China has long provided for its economic and social development,” “Kyrgyzstan values its strategic partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, as well as good-neighborliness.” The heads of state of several Central Asian countries have expressed their genuine feelings about cooperation with China during the talks.

“No matter how the international situation changes, and no matter how much China develops in the future, China will always be a trustworthy and reliable neighbor, partner, friend, and brother to Central Asian countries.” Under the guidance of the “China-Central Asia Spirit”, China and Central Asian countries will continue to walk hand in hand on the path of pursuing modernization and building a community of shared future, drawing new blueprints and reaching new heights.   

Contributed by Lin Ziou, Guangming Daily reporter

Translated by Zheng Yiyang