Reference Message Network reported on June 16 that according to a report by the Commercial News website of Kazakhstan on June 14, the Second China-Central Asia Summit is a continuation of the dialogue mechanism launched in Xi'an in May 2023. Zarinah Yesbratova, an independent political expert from Kazakhstan, pointed out that since the first summit, the level of development of relations between the two countries has significantly improved. She stated that the diplomatic guidelines of Astana and Beijing have correctly pointed the direction for mutually beneficial cooperation.
"China is an important partner of Kazakhstan in many fields," Yesbratova said. "The friendship and diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and China have a long history."
This expert believes that during the China-Central Asia Summit, security issues in Central Asia will be widely discussed. She noted, "Kazakhstan always has the necessity to actively participate in maintaining regional security, especially under the current complex geopolitical situation. I believe that in the upcoming summit, trade, economy, agriculture, regional security, sustainable development, pharmaceuticals, technology, food security, and many other issues will once again be put on the agenda. In my view, this will be a productive summit."
According to reports from the website of "Evening Bishkek" in Kyrgyzstan on June 14, in the coming days, Astana will host the Second China-Central Asia Summit. This platform, initiated by Beijing, is rapidly gaining weight and has become an important element in the new cooperative framework of the Eurasian continent. The first summit held in Xi'an in 2023 opened the "1+5" mechanism between China and the five Central Asian countries. In this mechanism, each Central Asian country can directly cooperate with China in an open and specific manner.
The report states that the China-Central Asia Summit has become a convenient platform where not only economic issues but also common approaches to sustainable development, security, digitalization, and cultural exchanges can be discussed. Due to the absence of intermediate links and complex bureaucratic institutions here, China and Central Asian countries can quickly reach consensus on various initiatives proposed by both sides.
Central Asia plays an important role in China's transportation and logistics strategy. Especially under the background of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the situation is particularly so. Since Central Asia connects East Asia with the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia, developing railways, transport corridors, land ports, and digital customs in this region is crucial for all parties involved. The interests of Central Asia and China intersect here: Central Asian countries are committed to diversifying transportation routes, increasing trade volume, and creating new jobs, while China seeks to establish stable and reliable relationships with partner countries.
The report points out that cooperation also involves the humanities field. Student exchange programs, Chinese language centers, cultural activities, and joint research projects have become indispensable components of the bilateral agenda. All of this helps enhance mutual understanding, exchange experiences, and consolidate trust between the two sides.
The China-Central Asia Summit mechanism allows each Central Asian country to formulate its own agenda based on its national interests and strategic priorities. At the same time, equality, pragmatism, and openness to initiatives remain key focal points, which is also very important.
The report considers Astana to be a reasonable choice as the venue for the second China-Central Asia Summit because Kazakhstan plays an active role in regional cooperation and has rich experience in cooperating with China in different fields. It is expected that this summit will not only promote the implementation of multiple economic projects but also inject new momentum into a series of social and technological initiatives.
Social activist Terek Usupov believes that the "1+5" mechanism is gradually moving from theory to practice. It shows that common interests, trust, and willingness to cooperate can become the foundation for sustainable development and comprehensive partnerships. The success of this mechanism has been proven at the first summit in Xi'an. From this perspective, the second summit to be held in Astana may become an important milestone on the path for Central Asian countries to move towards closer and more effective cooperation with China. I am even convinced that the second China-Central Asia Summit will also bring more joint infrastructure projects to Central Asian countries, which also involves critical security issues for the region.
Political scientist Bakhtiar Batkhaev also holds similar views. He stated that Kyrgyzstan has gained many benefits after the first China-Central Asia Summit.
This expert said, "Given that the series of important documents and agreements signed at the first summit have had a positive impact on the economy of Kyrgyzstan, the second summit will obviously have similarly positive effects on the business communities of all Central Asian countries. As I have previously mentioned, China is the world's second-largest economy, and once partnerships between our business communities are established, they can open new doors and opportunities. Moreover, such events can further bring Central Asian countries closer together." (Translated by Liu Yang and Li Ran)
On June 4, in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, teachers and students were learning about hydropower station knowledge in the simulation demonstration laboratory of the Luban Institute of Kyrgyzstan for Water Conservancy Hub Engineering. (Xinhua News Agency)
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