The second China-Central Asia Summit wrapped up on Tuesday in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking a significant step forward in regional cooperation. The summit produced 110 outcomes across areas like security, trade, technology, culture, and regional development.
Among the landmark agreements were the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation and the Astana Declaration. Practical projects were also launched, including the establishment of four new centers:
China-Central Asia Poverty Reduction Cooperation Center
China-Central Asia Education Exchange Cooperation Center
China-Central Asia Desertification Control Cooperation Center
China-Central Asia Trade Facilitation Cooperation Platform
To understand how these developments will shape the future of China-Central Asia relations, we spoke with Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University.
Strengthening Political Trust
Cui highlighted that the summit elevated political mutual trust to new heights. The Astana Declaration introduced the concept of the China-Central Asia Spirit, emphasizing mutual respect, trust, benefit, and assistance. This spirit aims for joint modernization through high-quality development.
Deepening Economic and Trade Cooperation
Economic ties were a focal point, with all six countries committing to promote trade diversification and streamline procedures. “Trade facilitation and industrial investment are now priority areas,” Cui explained. The goal is to upgrade investment agreements and enhance cooperation in sectors like green minerals and artificial intelligence.
Focus on Green Minerals and AI
On green minerals, the nations plan to strengthen cooperation in resource development and utilization. “They’ll jointly explore geological surveys and green mining within each country’s legal framework,” said Cui. In artificial intelligence, China welcomes Central Asian countries to join international cooperation on AI capacity building.
New Institutions for Shared Growth
The establishment of the four new centers reflects a commitment to the China-Central Asia Spirit:
Poverty Reduction: The cooperation center will institutionalize efforts like those between China and Uzbekistan, where over 719,000 people were lifted out of poverty last year.
Education Exchange: The education center marks a new stage in partnerships, fostering people-to-people exchanges and shared prosperity. Initiatives like the China-Central Asia Talent Development Scholarship are already in motion.
Desertification Control: Addressing environmental challenges, the center aims to tackle water scarcity and promote ecological sustainability through joint efforts.
Trade Facilitation: By enhancing free trade, this platform will boost the import of premium resources and expand mutual benefits.
Looking Ahead
Cui emphasized that these outcomes demonstrate a strong commitment to multilateralism and cooperation. “The summit’s successes lay a solid foundation for future collaboration, benefiting not just participating countries but the entire region,” he noted.
As China and Central Asian nations continue to deepen their ties, these developments signal a promising path toward shared modernization and prosperity.
