An outdoor screen displays a poster for the China-Central Asia Summit on the streets of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan on June 17, 2025. Photo: Xue Ke/GT

Editor's Note:

Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his visit to Astana, Kazakhstan on Wednesday after attending the second China-Central Asia Summit. The successful summit has been fruitful, with the two sides signing the treaty of permanent good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation, committing to a stronger multilateral trading system, and agreeing to jointly combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Wenwen interviewed Sheradil Baktygulov (Baktygulov), director of the Institute of World Policy of Kyrgyzstan, about these achievements and the foundation for China-Central Asia cooperation.

GT: With the treaty of permanent good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation being signed, what examples do China and Central Asian countries set for the world regarding the practice of good neighborliness?

Baktygulov: Today, China sets a very sound example of responsible adherence to the ideas of peace and cooperation between countries and regions. China and the Central Asian countries, new sovereign states, over the last 30 years have sought to establish good-neighbor relationships, with success. The treaty is the most vivid implementation of China's three global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

This situation reflects the fact that small- and medium-sized countries like Central Asian ones and a global major power like China can avoid the tensions that usually characterize the relations between small and large countries. China, as a world major power, does not believe that this status justifies the interests of the powerful prevailing over the interests of smaller states. China has not used, does not use and will not use the factor of inequality of powers in relations with any country. The treaty proves this principle of Chinese foreign policy to the world. This is a responsible foreign policy of a major power. This is called justice for smaller countries. 

GT: China will host the next summit in 2027. How do you see the summit being held on a regular basis? How has the mechanism boosted engagement between the two sides?

Baktygulov: The China-Central Asia mechanism is a platform for strengthening trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between neighbors; and for sharpening the practical tools for reaching shared wellbeing. The China-Central Asia Summit is a new mechanism of partnerships that refers to innovative approaches to collaboration between countries, moving beyond traditional models. This new mechanism emphasizes shared goals, clear roles and mutual benefits, fostering more dynamic and effective collaborations between China and Central Asia.

The Central Asian countries also benefit, as they have demonstrated a willingness to reach a consolidated decision on the broadest range of cooperation issues. It is also important to note that the China-Central Asia mechanism is not directed against any country, organization or group of countries. An old saying comes to my mind: "Those who sow peace reap happiness." This exactly describes the nature of the new type of cooperation between China and Central Asia.

GT: What is the basis for such regular exchanges at a time when the world is faced with confrontation and division?

Baktygulov: The geopolitical and geo-economic storms raging across the planet show that effective regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important for the successful development of our countries, and it can only be achieved in an atmosphere of trust and using new structures and mechanisms that reflect modern political and economic realities. The China-Central Asia mechanism is a new ad hoc formula to effectively reduce the consequences caused by the old-fashioned Cold War thinking style. This is the core approach of the China-Central Asia mechanism. 

The China-Central Asia mechanism reflects the eternal aspirations of peoples from different countries for justice and prosperity based on cooperation, mutual benefit and the rejection of the hegemony of any country. For example, instead of bloc confrontation (as in the Cold War era), dialogue and partnership are proposed; joint development means cooperation in the economy, ecology, technology and not competition that harms each other. The call for respect for the diversity of civilizations and the search for a common beginning in all the existing diversity evokes great sympathy in all corners of the Central Asian region. These circumstances give us confidence that the Central Asian region will become a safe haven. 

Sheradil Baktygulov Photo: Courtesy of Baktygulov

GT: What are the areas for further cooperation between China and the Central Asia countries?

Baktygulov: The most expected areas of cooperation have a long-term impact - poverty reduction, combating desertification and facilitating trade will create the basis for a better life and prosperity for the citizens of Central Asian countries and strengthen environmental and water security in Central Asia. 

The areas of cooperation proposed by China have evoked a warm response in the hearts of the peoples of Central Asian countries. Such approaches are outstanding examples of the practical implementation of "the prosperity of each country is the basis for the prosperity of all countries" principle, which reflects the essence of the concept of interdependence and interconnectedness of the world community - a shared future for mankind.

GT: President Xi said to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on the sidelines of the summit that cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan holds great potential. He called on the two sides to advance high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. How does the railway boost connectivity of the region and beyond?

Baktygulov: There is a Chinese saying: "If you want to get rich, first build a road." It highlights the importance of infrastructure, particularly transportation, for economic development. The improved connectivity, through roads and other infrastructure, will facilitate trade and reduce poverty, resulting in increased wealth for the people and countries involved. The people of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan understand the concept of this saying and believe that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is a kind of "game-changer" for Eurasian connectivity. The railway connects with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, enhancing China-Europe freight flows. It is cutting transit times, lowering costs and integrating Central Asian countries into global trade networks. Once completed, it will reshape regional trade dynamics and reinforce Central Asia's role as a critical logistics hub. It will also complement the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative while providing both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan with vital economic opportunities. The railway will boost Kyrgyzstan's and Uzbekistan's economies by integrating them into the global supply chains, for instance, mineral exports to China and other countries.