The second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana clearly demonstrated the current strength and future direction of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. In his keynote speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the “China-Central Asia Spirit,” built on mutual respect, trust, benefit, and assistance, plays a guiding role in the pursuit of shared modernization. Leaders reviewed the achievements since the Xi’an Summit and signed important documents such as the Astana Declaration and the Treaty of Eternal Friendship and Good Neighborliness.
During the summit, a total of 12 cooperation agreements were signed in fields ranging from poverty alleviation and education to combating desertification and trade facilitation, along with the establishment of joint centers. These steps are tangible signs of the deepening ties and mutually beneficial relations between China and the Central Asian countries. Xi’s remark that the pomegranate trees planted in Xi’an are now blooming in Astana vividly reflected these developments.
China and Central Asian countries have formed a model of cooperation based on equality, mutual support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. Joint efforts in areas such as energy, the digital economy, logistics, industry, and green development not only contribute to regional prosperity but also demonstrate the potential for collective action in the face of global challenges. The declaration of 2025 and 2026 as the “Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation” signals a further strengthening of this strategic partnership.