How important is the China-Central Asia Summit?

The China-Central Asia Summit is regarded as a historic turning point, marking a new step in the cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

The China-Central Asia Summit was held in Xi, Shaanxi Province from May 18 to May 19, 2023. This is the first major diplomatic activity in China in 2023, and it is also the first time that the heads of state of the six countries have held a summit in entity form since the establishment of diplomatic relations 3 1 year ago, which is a milestone in the history of the development of relations between China and Central Asian countries.

China and Central Asian countries are friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. The two sides always adhere to the principles of mutual respect, good neighborliness, mutual help and mutual benefit. Political mutual trust has deepened, pragmatic cooperation has been upgraded, and international cooperation has deepened, becoming a veritable good neighbor, friend, partner and brother.

China is willing to work with Central Asian countries to take the above-mentioned visit as an opportunity to further expand all-round cooperation, push Central Asian relations to a new level and contribute to regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Activity background:

The five Central Asian countries are friendly neighbors of China. At present, the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change, and world peace and development are facing severe challenges. How to further promote the relationship between China and Central Asian countries, consolidate the cooperation achievements between China and Central Asia and improve the level of institutionalization is one of the major issues facing China's diplomacy.

In July 2020, the first foreign ministers' meeting of "China+Five Central Asian Countries" was held by video. The parties agreed to establish a meeting mechanism for foreign ministers of "China+five Central Asian countries" to jointly meet challenges, draw a blueprint for development and strive to achieve regional prosperity. The second meeting held in May, 20021was the first multilateral foreign ministers' meeting hosted by China during the epidemic, and many understandings and achievements were reached.