Trade between China and Central Asia surpassed $100 billion in 2025, marking a historic high since the establishment of diplomatic relations, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun. The announcement came during a Monday press briefing where Guo highlighted the partnership's resilience amid global economic headwinds.
Defying Global Economic Trends
Customs data reveals that economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan grew 14% year-on-year in 2025. This growth occurred despite challenges to international trade systems and sluggish global economic recovery efforts.
Mechanisms Driving Success
The China-Central Asia cooperation framework has accelerated infrastructure development through Belt and Road projects, with 27 new cross-border transport corridors completed last year. The Second China-Central Asia Summit in 2025 laid groundwork for high-quality collaboration in digital economy and green energy sectors.
Future-Oriented Partnership
Guo emphasized plans to expand innovation-led cooperation in 2026, particularly in artificial intelligence and renewable energy. Both sides aim to establish three new regional economic hubs along the Silk Road Economic Belt by Q3 2026.
