China's collaboration with Central Asian nations has achieved a historic breakthrough, with sister-city partnerships exceeding 100 pairs. The milestone was announced at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, where regional leaders emphasized strengthened economic and cultural bonds across Eurasia.
Shanghai and four Chinese provinces – Hubei, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region – spearheaded new agreements with counterparts in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. These partnerships focus on technology transfer, agricultural modernization, and cross-border infrastructure development.
Analysts highlight how these city-level ties complement national initiatives like the Belt and Road program. 'Sister cities act as testing grounds for sustainable cooperation models,' explained a summit delegate, noting recent successes in renewable energy projects and heritage preservation efforts.
The growing network facilitates people-to-people exchanges, with educational programs and tourism initiatives increasing by 40% since 2022. Business leaders anticipate streamlined trade channels, particularly for agricultural goods and green technology.
