The second China-Central Asia Summit recently concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking a significant step forward in cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries. The summit resulted in over 100 agreements covering areas such as security, trade, science and technology, cultural exchanges, and regional development.
Among the landmark agreements were the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation and the Astana Declaration. Practical cooperation projects were also announced, including the establishment of the China-Central Asia Poverty Reduction Cooperation Center, the Education Exchange Cooperation Center, the Desertification Control Cooperation Center, and the Smooth Trade Cooperation Platform.
To understand the impact of these outcomes on regional cooperation, we spoke with Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Cui highlighted that since the first China-Central Asia Summit, both sides have made steady progress in deepening trade and connectivity. “We are moving toward a complementary and mutually beneficial partnership,” she said. “High-quality Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes, injecting strong momentum into building a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his speech at the summit, emphasized the importance of unity, trust, and support between China and Central Asian countries. He called for optimizing the cooperation framework to make it more results-oriented, developing a security framework for peace and solidarity, strengthening cultural bonds, and upholding a fair international order.
Cui noted that these priorities align with China’s three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. “They reflect China’s steadfast commitment to fairness and responsibility in an increasingly turbulent world,” she added.
Implementing High-Quality Cooperation
Looking ahead to the “2025-2026 China-Central Asia High-Quality Cooperation Years,” Cui outlined key areas for development. “We must enhance connectivity to facilitate trade, promote industrial upgrading through coordinated development, bridge technological gaps via innovation-sharing, and advance self-driven development through mutual learning,” she explained. “Together, these efforts will further consolidate a resilient and future-oriented regional community.”
Implications for Global Cooperation
Cui believes that the summit offers valuable experience for broader international cooperation, especially amid challenges like de-globalization and protectionism. “The China-Central Asia partnership provides critical support for safeguarding multilateral trade and global economic stability,” she said. “As President Xi emphasized, only by upholding fairness, justice, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation can the world achieve lasting peace and common development.”
She also highlighted the summit’s contribution to global efforts toward a green transformation. “China is a global leader in green development, advancing in areas such as hydrogen energy, renewable power, and the electric vehicle supply chain,” Cui stated. “Central Asian countries, while rich in fossil fuels, have growing needs for cooperation in new energy and sustainable development.”
Finally, Cui pointed out that the summit supports the pursuit of a more equal and orderly multipolar world. “Amid ongoing crises, the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile,” she observed. “China regards Central Asia as a priority partner in building a shared future and fully supports their efforts to modernize defense and law enforcement capacities.”
