Global Times: China's steady engagement a reassuring, constructive force in Central Asia, says Turkmen scholar

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GT: How would you assess the advancements in China-Central Asia cooperation following the inaugural summit in Xi'an two years ago? What kinds of opportunities can the China-Central Asia Summit bring to Central Asian countries?

Shallyyev: As the director of the CAREC Institute, I have closely followed the progress of China-Central Asia cooperation with great interest and optimism. Since the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit, we have witnessed tangible developments in infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, digital innovation and people-to-people exchanges. The cooperation agreements signed at the first summit laid a solid foundation for a more interconnected and resilient Central Asian region.

The upcoming second summit in Kazakhstan is particularly significant. It comes at a time when regional economies are striving for diversification, modernization and sustainable development. For countries in Central Asia, including my own, this summit presents valuable opportunities. These include increased investment in transportation corridors, renewable energy projects, industrial parks and education exchanges. Additionally, stronger cooperation with China offers access to advanced technologies, financial resources, as well as a vast consumer market. This summit is expected to elevate our cooperation to a more strategic level. I anticipate that it will lead to more targeted and results-oriented partnerships, especially in emerging areas such as green development, the digital economy and regional supply chain resilience. The institutional frameworks established through these summits also help ensure consistency and continuity in our joint efforts.

GT: In a previous interview, you mentioned the broad prospects for cooperation between Xinjiang and Central Asian countries. Which areas of cooperation are you most focused on or optimistic about? In which fields can China provide more support to Central Asian countries?

Shallyyev: China and the countries of Central Asia have complementary advantages that offer the possibility of extensive cooperation. I believe that the cooperation between Xinjiang and Central Asian countries offers immense potential across multiple sectors. Located at the crossroads of Asia, Xinjiang serves as a key gateway for trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges between China and Central Asia.

The areas I find most promising for cooperation are infrastructure development, trade facilitation and green energy. Xinjiang's strategic location allows it to serve as a critical hub for the BRI, providing Central Asian countries with access to China's vast market and global value chains. Furthermore, transportation networks such as railways, highways and ports can be significantly improved, which will streamline regional trade and reduce logistics costs. Additionally, Xinjiang's solar and wind energy progress is driving clean power cooperation with Central Asia, creating both environmental and economic benefits.

GT: At the first China-Central Asia Summit, President Xi stated, "Over the past decade, China and Central Asian countries have worked closely together to fully revive the Silk Road and actively deepen future-oriented cooperation, steering our relations into a new era." Why have China's initiatives gained such widespread recognition and played such a positive role?

Shallyyev: China's development initiatives, such as the BRI, have attracted recognition in Central Asia and beyond, as these initiatives are well aligned with the region's development priorities. One of the key reasons behind the widespread recognition of these initiatives is the fact that investments are built upon the principles of mutual benefits and respect for national development goals. China tailors its investment projects to each country's development needs and regional cooperation priorities through dialogue instead of adopting a uniform approach. The alignment of these projects with country priorities and their inclusiveness also enhances national ownership by fostering awareness and shared goals.

Similarly, the multidimensional nature of these initiatives extends beyond investments in physical infrastructure, bolstering digital connectivity, promoting people-to-people exchanges and promoting educational cooperation. Such comprehensive engagement helps build trust and reinforces long-term partnerships.

GT: In the past few years, uncertainty in the international community has been growing. Under such circumstances, what benefits can stronger China-Central Asia exchanges and cooperation bring to regional development? Is cooperation with China a source of certainty for Central Asian countries?

Shallyyev: The world has recently been faced with growing uncertainties caused by recent trade tensions, regional conflicts, and economic and technological disruptions affecting regional development outlooks. Under these conditions, countries need reliable, stable and long-term strategic partners to mitigate the risks of uncertainty.

In this context, China serves as a reliable partner to Central Asian countries through its initiatives, such as the BRI, by offering predictable and long-term strategic partnerships. These platforms are not temporary responses to crises - they are built for sustained collaboration across key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, trade and digital development. Moreover, China's diplomatic approach - grounded in mutual respect, peaceful cooperation and long-term partnership - aligns well with the values and aspirations of Central Asian countries. It contributes to a stable and predictable environment where nations can confidently pursue their development agendas. China's steady and consistent engagement is a reassuring and constructive force in the region.

GT: The peoples of China and Central Asian countries have enjoyed generations of friendship. In your view, how can mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Central Asian countries be further strengthened?

Shallyyev: Enhancing tourism exchange between China and Central Asian countries is one of the ways we can further strengthen mutual understanding between our nations. Tourism is not solely an industry; it is a powerful channel for connecting people, cultures and opportunities. In this regard, China and certain Central Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, have been working to enhance tourism exchange by mutually eliminating visa requirements. I am confident that the remaining countries will also adopt similar measures, providing opportunities for tourists from both sides to delve deeper into cultural exploration and mutual understanding. Last but not least, another important channel for promoting people-to-people ties is student exchange. Educational partnerships, scholarship programs and university collaboration enable young people to experience life in each other's countries, gain cross-cultural understanding and build lasting friendships. These future leaders will carry forward the spirit of cooperation and help shape a shared and harmonious regional future.