In June 2023, the city of Gulistan hosted the “Syrdarya–China” business forum, a pivotal event that saw the participation of 250 representatives from leading Chinese companies, including Huawei, TiBiIEi, SisiSeven, and others. The forum resulted in the signing of approximately 30 agreements, totaling an impressive USD 322 million.
Key Thrust: Transport and Communications
Crucial to the Uzbekistan-China partnership is the domain of transport and communications. Aligned with Uzbekistan’s vision of transforming from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” nation, this collaboration resonates with the Chinese initiative “Belt and Road,” aimed at reviving the economic belt of the Silk Road. Initiatives like the Angren–Pap railway line, featuring the country’s longest tunnel, exemplify this cooperation. The “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” transport corridor has become an international artery traversing mountains. Additionally, all four routes of the “Central Asia–China” gas pipeline pass through Uzbekistan, fostering friendly cooperation with neighboring countries.
Cultural Exchange: Strengthening Ties Between Peoples
The Great Silk Road, symbolizing peace, cooperation, and openness between East and West, continues to resonate with Uzbekistan and China. Today, the youth of Uzbekistan expresses interest in learning the Chinese language, reciprocated by Chinese individuals studying the Uzbek language. Institutes such as the Confucius Institutes at the Tashkent State Institute of Oriental Studies and the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages have become key centers for studying Chinese language and culture.
Conversely, there is a growing interest in learning the Uzbek language in China. It is successfully taught in prestigious institutions like the Central University for Nationalities, Beijing Foreign Studies University, and the Shanghai International Studies University. This exchange of language studies contributes to knowledge and cultural ties between the two nations.
The Society of Friendship “Uzbekistan – China,” established in 1998, plays a significant role in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Uzbek and Chinese peoples.
Cultural Events: Celebrating Shared Heritage
On May 18, 2022, in Xi’an, within the first “Central Asia – China” summit, the official launch of the Year of Culture and Art of the peoples of Central Asia and China took place. Throughout this year, various cultural events, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and presentations of Uzbek culture unfolded. For instance, in May 2023, a concert by the orchestra of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater named after A. Navoi took place at the “Beijing Opera House” in Beijing.
In September 2023, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, participated in the 6th International EXPO “Silk Road” held in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China.
In the same month, the Imperial Palace Museum “Gugun” in Beijing opened an exhibition titled “Archaeological Cooperation – ‘Belt and Road.'” Uzbekistan was represented by 18 exhibits from the “Golden Fund” of the country’s historical heritage.
In October 2023, during a visit to Uzbekistan, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of China conducted “Chinese Culture Days.”
Sports Diplomacy: Success at the Asian Games
Uzbekistan demonstrated remarkable success at the XIX Asian Games in Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8, 2023. With 22 gold, 18 silver, and 31 bronze medals, Uzbekistan secured the 5th position in the medal tally, showcasing the prowess of Uzbek athletes.
Tourism and People-to-People Connections
Expanding economic ties contribute to a growing interest in Uzbekistan, its history, and traditions in China. Last year, over 40,000 Chinese tourists visited Uzbekistan.
In summary, Uzbekistan and China have entered a qualitatively new level of partnership and cooperation. According to assessments from the leading Chinese English-language newspaper “Global Times,” 2023 has become a landmark year in the development of Sino-Uzbek relations. The upcoming state visit of the Uzbekistan President to China is poised to solidify the successes and achievements of bilateral interaction, opening further prospects for fruitful collaboration to benefit the peoples of both countries.
