President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the Second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 17, 2025. Addressing leaders and delegates from Central Asian countries, President Xi highlighted the significant progress made in cooperation since the first summit in Xi’an two years ago and outlined a vision for the future.
Two Years of Progress
“In the past two years, China and Central Asian countries have deepened and substantiated Belt and Road cooperation,” President Xi said. Trade between China and Central Asia has grown by 35%, with advancements in industrial investment, green mining, and technological innovation. Significant projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway have been launched, enhancing connectivity in the region.
Cultural exchanges have also flourished. President Xi noted that “tourism and culture years and art festivals of Central Asian countries are very popular in China,” and that Chinese films and TV dramas have become hits in Central Asia. Educational cooperation has expanded with the establishment of cultural centers, university branches, and Luban Workshops.
The China-Central Asia Spirit
President Xi introduced the “China-Central Asia Spirit” characterized by “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development.” He emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared development goals among the six nations.
Five-Point Proposal for Future Cooperation
Looking ahead, President Xi proposed a five-point plan to strengthen ties:
Commitment to Unity: Continue to trust and support each other, upholding principles of equality and sincerity.
Optimizing Cooperation Framework: Focus on practical results in areas like trade, investment, connectivity, and technological innovation.
Security Framework for Peace: Enhance regional security governance, deepen law enforcement cooperation, and jointly combat terrorism and extremism.
Strengthening People-to-People Bonds: Increase cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, and promote mutual understanding among the peoples.
Upholding Fair International Order: Work together to promote fairness and justice on the global stage, opposing unilateralism and protectionism.
Building a Shared Future
President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to opening up and engaging with Central Asian countries. “No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain unwavering in opening up to the outside world,” he stated.
He concluded by inspiring collective efforts to build a community with a shared future, saying, “China is ready to work with all parties to carry forward the China-Central Asia Spirit… and strive for new progress in China-Central Asia cooperation.”
