The second China-Central Asia Summit is on the horizon, and a recent global poll highlights the growing significance of cooperation between China and the five Central Asian countries. According to the survey released by CGTN, this high-level collaboration embodies the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, contributing to global stability amid an increasingly turbulent international landscape.
Since the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit, joint efforts in various fields have accelerated. The survey indicates that 90.4% of respondents believe the China-Central Asia Heads of State Meeting mechanism plays a crucial leading role. Furthermore, 92% feel that by prioritizing Central Asia in its neighborhood diplomacy, China has opened doors for these countries to pursue development and enhance their regional influence.
As the geopolitical dynamics in Eurasia shift rapidly, 88.1% of participants mentioned that the China-Central Asia community with a shared future is vital for strengthening the strategic independence of Central Asian nations and stabilizing the region.
Trade between China and Central Asia has reached new heights. Data from the General Administration of Customs of China shows total trade volume hitting $94.8 billion in 2024, marking an increase of $5.4 billion from the previous year. Chinese products like home appliances, essentials, and new energy vehicles are increasingly popular in Central Asian markets, while goods from Central Asia, such as cotton and lamb, are becoming everyday items for Chinese consumers.
The survey reveals that 92.3% of respondents think that, amid challenges to economic globalization, enhanced economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asia can effectively address external uncertainties. Additionally, 88.5% acknowledge significant progress in areas like the green economy and digital transformation, foreseeing broad prospects for future collaboration. Notably, 94.2% believe that developing transportation and logistics networks could become a new highlight in China-Central Asia relations.
Since Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed building the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013 during a visit to Central Asia, the region has become a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. Strong cooperation in trade, digital economy, and connectivity has followed. The survey found that 92.4% agree the Belt and Road Initiative is an important international public good supporting high-level cooperation between China and Central Asia.
Security cooperation is also a significant aspect of this partnership. With the complex and ever-changing security situation in Central Asia, China and the Central Asian countries have made notable progress in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as in drug control. This progress was acknowledged by 87.5% of respondents. Moreover, 82.7% believe that the influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in counterterrorism and combating organized crime is steadily increasing among China and Central Asian nations.
Overall, 90% of respondents perceive the China-Central Asia mechanism not as a rivalry or competition but as a framework for stability, development, and future-focused cooperation. An impressive 88.2% praised the cooperation as a new model for international relations. Additionally, 91.2% stated that the high-level collaboration, based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, truly reflects the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity.
The survey engaged 2,059 overseas participants on CGTN’s English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms, who shared their insights within 24 hours.
