Under the Spirit of China–Central Asia: Building a Closer Community of Shared Destiny.
In a powerful display of diplomacy and vision, Astana recently played host to a historic summit that marked a new chapter in the centuries-old partnership between China and the countries of Central Asia. Madam Jiang Wei, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, shared her reflections on this high-level gathering of leaders from China and the five Central Asian states. She emphasized the strengthening of political mutual trust, the launch of practical cooperative initiatives, and the importance of the “Spirit of China–Central Asia” as a guiding force for sustainable development, peace, and shared prosperity. According to her, Kazakhstan — the birthplace of the Belt and Road Initiative — continues to play a leading role in deepening strategic cooperation between the region and China.
Astana Summit: A New Chapter in Friendship
At the height of summer, as sunlight danced on the clear waters of the Ishim River and the surrounding meadows shimmered in vibrant green, Kazakhstan’s capital Astana became the setting for a momentous occasion. It was here that the President of China and the leaders of five Central Asian nations gathered to reaffirm their deep-rooted friendship, explore strategic directions for cooperation, and chart a path toward high-quality development. The summit resulted in the signing of over one hundred agreements, standing as a model of regional collaboration and a major contribution to global peace, stability, and progress.
First and foremost – unprecedented political trust
In the three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and the Central Asian countries have built a comprehensive strategic partnership, formalized through numerous agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative. The idea of a community of shared destiny has steadily taken shape, both bilaterally and regionally. A key highlight of this summit was the introduction of the “Spirit of China–Central Asia” — a concept proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, rooted in mutual respect, trust, benefit, and support, and guided by a commitment to modernization through high-quality development.
A powerful symbol of this political unity was the Astana Declaration, signed by all six leaders. In it, the parties reaffirmed their support for each other on key issues. China expressed firm backing for the sovereignty and development paths of the Central Asian states, while the five countries reiterated their commitment to the “One China” principle, affirming that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory. The declaration stands as a strong expression of political consensus and a message of stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
Second – practical cooperation reaches new heights
At the summit, 2025–2026 was officially designated the years of high-quality China–Central Asia cooperation. The joint agenda focuses on six key areas: unimpeded trade, industrial development and investment, transport connectivity, green mineral development, agricultural modernization, and mutual people-to-people exchanges. The six heads of state witnessed the signing of a landmark Action Plan on High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation — the first of its kind between China and all the countries of a neighboring region.
The summit also saw the decision to establish a China–Central Asia Center for Poverty Alleviation, a Center for Education Cooperation and Exchanges, a Center for Combating Desertification, and a Trade Facilitation Platform. These initiatives aim to enhance the well-being of the people of Central Asia, cultivate high-level talent, support sustainable water and natural resource management, and promote high-quality economic growth. Together, they bring to life the slogan: “Promoting joint modernization through high-quality development.”
Third – a new milestone in good-neighborliness and friendship
The six countries signed a Treaty of Eternal Friendship, Good-Neighborliness, and Cooperation — a landmark document that legally affirms their shared commitment to everlasting peace and friendly relations between peoples. This treaty sets a new benchmark in China–Central Asia relations, laying the groundwork for decades of partnership.
More than one hundred twinning agreements between cities were signed, establishing a solid humanitarian foundation for people-to-people diplomacy. These “bridges of friendship” will promote deeper cultural and social exchanges. The parties also agreed to expand cooperation across areas such as parliamentary and inter-party dialogue, women’s and youth initiatives, media engagement, think tank collaboration, and civil society efforts.
In the coming years, new cultural centers, Luban Workshops, branches of Chinese universities, and traditional medicine centers will open across Central Asia. These efforts will energize intercivilizational dialogue and carry forward the millennia-old legacy of friendship among the peoples of this region.
Kazakhstan: A Pillar of Regional Partnership
Kazakhstan holds a special place in this story — it was here that the Belt and Road Initiative was first unveiled. During the summit, President Xi Jinping held a separate meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strategic course, strengthening mutual trust, and expanding comprehensive cooperation. They emphasized the importance of injecting new substance into the China–Kazakhstan community of shared destiny.
The visit resulted in the signing of more than 60 bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, science and technology, customs cooperation, tourism, media, and other sectors — delivering a powerful boost to what is being called a “golden period” in China–Kazakhstan relations.
A Steady Course Toward Peace and Prosperity
In a turbulent and rapidly changing world, the ship of China–Central Asia cooperation sails forward with confidence — powered by the winds of cultural understanding and the oars of economic pragmatism. Under the wise leadership of the region’s heads of state and in the spirit of strategic partnership, it moves steadily toward peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
By upholding the Spirit of China–Central Asia, advancing the concept of a community of shared destiny, and embracing China’s three global initiatives, we are building together a harmonious and thriving common home.
