英文原文：

On the eve of the second "Central Asia–China" Summit, we interviewed Dr. Sanjar Valiev, Director of the influential Uzbek think tank – the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies. In our discussion, we touched upon the development of bilateral relations, prospects for cooperation in a six-party format.

1.Uzbekistan became the first country in the region to establish an all-weather, comprehensive strategic partnership with China in the new era. How does Uzbekistan perceive this unique partnership?

瓦利耶夫：First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that this fact is highly valued in Uzbekistan and is seen as a significant achievement of modern diplomacy. Elevating bilateral relations with China - a dynamic global power - to such an unprecedented level opens a wide array of opportunities for our country.

Symbolically, the high status of this partnership reflects the strategic importance of our two countries to one another, as well as the full confidence of our friendly nations in the need to build a relationship based on trust and long-term historical perspective.

If we look at tangible accomplishments, based on concrete facts, it would not be an exaggeration to say that China has, in recent years, become one of Uzbekistan’s most important partners, actively supporting us in our comprehensive development and modernization efforts. Your country has been Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner since 2017 and, as of 2023, its largest investor.

Recently, under the influence of global geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts, new opportunities for enhanced cooperation have emerged.

For example, the transport and logistics sector holds immense potential. A case in point is the launch of construction on the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, a project that had long been in a state of anticipation due to the need to resolve various issues.

There are, in fact, many such examples. Taken together, these achievements clearly embody the notion of an all-weather, comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

2.You mentioned the construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway. What is the current progress of the project, and what obstacles have been encountered?

瓦利耶夫：Very recently, on April 29 of this year, a ceremony was held in Kyrgyzstan to mark the beginning of the active construction phase at key project sites. Specifically, this involves the construction of the Naryn, Koshtoba, and Ferghana Mountain tunnels, with a combined total length of 37 kilometers.

A hallmark of this project has been the tradition of holding official ceremonies attended by high-level representatives from the participating countries at every major milestone in the construction process. This has proven to be a highly effective practice for several important reasons.

First, it ensures full transparency regarding the construction process and the progress being made.

Second, it helps maintain the pace of construction and adherence to the project timeline through more effective oversight.

Third, it enables on-the-spot coordination and resolution of any emerging issues or challenges.

This approach speaks for itself and gives us confidence that the 532-kilometer-long new route will be commissioned on time.

As for the obstacles encountered in the past, I will highlight the most significant ones. For many years, this project was considered economically unviable. In addition, differing railway gauge standards between China and Kyrgyzstan presented a further technical challenge to the implementation of the route.

However, time brings change. Circumstances evolve, and the demands and capacities of our economies continue to grow. Recent assessments indicate significant potential and economic viability for the project.

Today, we are witnessing the most favorable conditions for its realization. It is encouraging that our governments share a common understanding of the importance of capitalizing on such strategic growth points.

3. What could this mean for the development of the Middle Corridor, as well as for China’s and Uzbekistan’s connections with countries in the region?

瓦利耶夫：First of all, I would like to address a frequently voiced opinion suggesting that the Middle Corridor and the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway are competing projects.

In reality, these two initiatives serve entirely different geographic and strategic directions. As you know, the Middle Corridor is designed to connect China with Europe via the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus.

In contrast, the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway is primarily focused on facilitating cargo transport to the countries of Central and South Asia, as well as to the Middle East.

Taken together, both projects represent vital segments of a diversified Trans-Eurasian land transport network that will eventually connect China with all corners of the continent. If viewed through the lens of an organization like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we can speak of the emergence of a promising internal connectivity map among all member states.

Ultimately, the development of this new railway artery will benefit all neighboring countries, and our region - Central Asia - will regain its historical role as a bridging hub in global trade across this vast part of the world.

4. Many of the prospects you’ve mentioned are linked to Uzbekistan’s railway project in Afghanistan. How is your country building relations with the new Taliban-led government in Kabul? What is Uzbekistan’s view on China’s approach to this and other regional security issues?

瓦利耶夫：First of all, I would like to emphasize for your readers that Uzbekistan is currently the only country with actual experience in building and operating a railway in Afghanistan. With the support of multiple partners, we established a precedent by constructing a rail link from the Uzbek city of Termez to the major Afghan hub of Mazar-i-Sharif.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the successful commissioning of that railway. The success of this initial project gives us the confidence to develop more ambitious plans for expanding railway connectivity in Afghanistan.

That is why, in close coordination with partners in Afghanistan and other interested countries, our Ministry of Transport and the national railway company O‘zbekiston temir yo‘llari are actively advancing the Trans-Afghan Corridor project.

The construction involves challenging mountainous terrain, requiring advanced engineering expertise and significant financial investment. Additionally, there are, of course, numerous risks and open questions stemming from the specific political situation in Afghanistan and the interim government’s relations with many countries and international organizations, including financial institutions.

Uzbekistan was among the first to initiate dialogue with the new Afghan authorities and continues to take steps to maintain constructive Uzbek–Afghan engagement. Our position is based on the understanding that, as immediate neighbors of Afghanistan, we have no alternative but to sustain friendly and good-neighborly relations with all the peoples surrounding us.

It is now clear that unless Afghanistan’s neighbors support it during this critical period in rebuilding state institutions and the economy, the entire region will face serious negative consequences.

It should be noted that the Taliban government has also demonstrated a sense of responsibility in managing the country and is interested in predictable, long-term relationships. As a result, we are witnessing tangible progress in our bilateral relations in areas such as politics, security, environmental cooperation, the economy, humanitarian assistance, and transportation logistics.

For example, just last month Uzbekistan and Afghanistan reached an agreement on the joint use of Amu Darya river water. This is a highly significant step toward coordinated management of transboundary water resources among Central Asian nations.

What’s especially important is that our regional initiatives and efforts have found full understanding and support from China. Your government remains firmly committed to constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation—an approach it also applies in its relations with Kabul. China’s diplomatic efforts in this area reflect a genuine commitment to building lasting peace and fostering a stable society in Afghanistan.

China’s decision to become the first country in the world to appoint an ambassador to Kabul in September 2023, and to accredit the Taliban’s ambassador in Beijing, was a highly symbolic move. It has paved the way for others to pursue a similarly responsible and flexible diplomatic approach.

Equally important are China’s humanitarian initiatives to support the Afghan people and its broad assistance in the country’s development. A concrete manifestation of this support is Afghanistan’s inclusion in the China – Pakistan Economic Corridor under the Belt and Road Initiative.

In summary, an analysis of both Uzbek and Chinese approaches toward Afghanistan reveals strong similarities: both are based on pragmatic dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation. In this matter, we act jointly across all international and regional platforms. I am confident that the upcoming SCO Summit, to be held this year in China, will result in landmark decisions regarding Afghanistan.

5. What are other potential areas of cooperation between China and Uzbekistan?

瓦利耶夫：In recent years, we have made a remarkable leap in developing both the structure and substance of practical cooperation. As a result, the interconnectedness of our two economies has become a tangible reality.

The next step is to focus on enhancing the quality of this cooperation. We must go beyond traditional areas of economic collaboration such as infrastructure development, oil and gas trade, and commodity exchange. I am confident that future growth will stem from expanding our cooperation into new sectors—renewable energy, the digital economy, modern agriculture, and scientific and technological innovation.

Additionally, it is essential to prioritize educational policy. Given China’s vast experience in green development, it is advisable to expand educational exchanges in green finance, innovation, and technology. These areas can support Uzbekistan’s efforts to achieve its environmental objectives under the "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy.

Digital cooperation should form the foundation of our future development. China has recently shown unprecedented results in technology and innovation. One notable example is the much-discussed AI model DeepSeek, which is reportedly several hundred times more cost-efficient than its Western counterparts and has already been integrated into the operations of numerous government agencies and companies.

It is only through the adoption of technology and innovation that we can overcome resource dependency and transition toward a sustainable development model.

Creating a shared digital infrastructure to exchange technologies and best practices will open new prospects in sectors such as healthcare, education, public administration, and industry.

6. As the global economy faces diverse challenges, including climate change, protectionism, and rising conflicts, how is Uzbekistan responding to this moment?

瓦利耶夫：Uzbekistan maintains a sober and realistic assessment of the risks present in today’s world and their implications for our region.

Much like China, we are engaged in a consistent fight against global warming. In 2017, Uzbekistan signed the Paris Agreement and committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030, as well as increasing the share of green energy to 50% of total energy generation.

To meet these targets, our national development strategy—"Uzbekistan – 2030"—includes 12 priority objectives aimed at addressing climate-related challenges. These include conserving natural resources, expanding the use of alternative energy sources, and implementing energy-efficient practices across economic sectors.

We have already made significant practical strides. For example, as part of the national "Green Space" initiative, 138 million tree and shrub seedlings were planted last year, 257 green parks were established, and 215,000 hectares of land on the dried-up Aral Sea bed and surrounding areas were covered with vegetation.

At the same time, Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and modernization have coincided with a period of deglobalization and increasing protectionist measures globally.

Uzbekistan’s principled position is based on a commitment to multilateralism and a fair distribution of the benefits of globalization. For this reason, we are actively working toward completing negotiations for accession to the World Trade Organization. Achieving WTO membership will mark a historic milestone in Uzbekistan’s long journey toward integration with the global economy.

Accordingly, we advocate for the creation of favorable conditions for the sustainable development of all humankind. On the international stage, Uzbekistan—together with like-minded countries—supports open, equitable, and mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at building a harmonized world where the progress of all nations and peoples is prioritized.

7. How is the China–Central Asia cooperation format viewed in the region? What are the expectations for the upcoming summit and multilateral cooperation overall?

瓦利耶夫：Exactly two years ago, the first historic summit of the leaders of China and Central Asia marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation. The success of this landmark event is undoubtedly due to the leadership of President Xi Jinping, who proposed a series of consistent initiatives that were fully supported by all heads of state in the region. Thanks to the political will and joint efforts of our leaders, this format has quickly proven itself to be a highly effective platform for building trust-based dialogue and fruitful practical collaboration.

Uzbekistan views the "China – Central Asia" platform as a long-term framework for forward-looking partnership - one that supports the transformation of our region into a zone of stability, sustainable development, and technological advancement.

Today, the New Central Asia is a space characterized by mutual respect, good-neighborliness, openness, and constructive cooperation. We have entered a more advanced phase of establishing systematic and trust-based dialogue on key developmental issues.

One of the most important achievements in recent years has been the consistent resolution of even the most complex regional challenges. A recent and inspiring example is the signing of the historic agreement in Khujand on the tripoint of the borders between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Both intra-regional trade and economic exchanges with China and other partners continue to grow steadily. In 2024, Uzbekistan’s total trade turnover with Central Asian countries and China reached $20 billion—nearly doubling in the last five years.

The number of joint ventures with partners from Central Asia and China has exceeded 5,000. Last year, Uzbekistan welcomed 8.5 million visitors from neighboring countries. Citizens of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan can enter Uzbekistan using domestic ID documents, and Chinese citizens enjoy visa-free access for up to 30 days.

All of this vividly illustrates a qualitatively new level of trade, industrial cooperation, and humanitarian exchange.

China has always supported the initiatives of Central Asia, whether political or economic. Today, China confidently holds its position as one of the leading trade and investment partners for the countries of the region.

Therefore, all Central Asian countries expect the upcoming second summit to deliver breakthrough agreements and tangible projects. This format has already built a strong reputation as an efficient and responsive mechanism for practical cooperation.

On the political front, amid global turbulence and shifting international dynamics, it is essential to demonstrate unity and a collective commitment to maintaining stability and sustainable development in the region.

In economic terms, a key breakthrough would be launching the groundwork for deep, long-term scientific and technological collaboration—especially in innovation-driven industries.

On the humanitarian side, our peoples are increasingly interested in deepening mutual understanding through intellectual and cultural exchanges.

In essence, we are speaking about concrete, impactful projects that align with China’s global initiatives in the fields of security, development, and civilization dialogue. In this sense, Central Asia has the potential to become a laboratory for the successful implementation of these ideas in a specific regional context. The necessary conditions are already in place—and our countries are eager to realize these opportunities in close partnership with China.

8. Many outside the region tend to view Central Asia with a broad brush, failing to distinguish much between the countries. What important nuances do you think they are missing?

瓦利耶夫：This perception may stem from the historical and cultural-civilizational commonality among the peoples of Central Asia. Indeed, most Central Asian nations share Turkic roots, and they are united by common traditions, cultural values, and religion.

However, Central Asia is a highly multifaceted region, and each country is unique in its own way.

For example, geography has played a defining role in shaping distinct economic paths. While Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan are rich in mineral resources, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are endowed primarily with water and hydropower resources.

The structure of each country's economy also differs significantly. Kazakhstan’s economy is dominated by industry, services, and large-scale monoculture agriculture. In contrast, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have thriving small and medium-sized businesses, traditional agriculture, and significant hydroelectric capacity.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, stands out for its relatively high level of economic diversification. In addition to the sectors traditionally prominent in the region, we have developed full-scale production of automobiles—including electric vehicles—consumer electronics, and electrical equipment. Moreover, Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in IT, artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, and the development of unmanned technologies.

Yet, despite these differences, there is a clear and shared understanding in the region: only by working together can we become a competitive force on the global economic map and a consistently attractive destination for foreign investment.

A united Central Asia represents a large and dynamic market of nearly 80 million people and a real GDP of around $400 billion, with average annual growth of approximately 6%.

The strategic role of our region will only continue to grow, as will its importance to immediate neighbors and key economic partners—such as China, Russia, and others with whom we maintain strategic relations.

I am confident that the upcoming summit in Astana, along with the bilateral talks between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the event, will further unlock the vast potential of Central Asia and help us jointly tackle the challenges we face in the years ahead.

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