In 21st-century international relations, there are alliances that go beyond securing economic benefits and instead shape new reference points for entire regions. One such example is the partnership between Uzbekistan and China, whose cooperation in recent years has reached the level of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
Leaders Defining the Course
Regular high-level contacts have played a decisive role. In January 2024, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Beijing, where he met with President Xi Jinping. More than 40 agreements were signed covering energy, industry, and humanitarian cooperation. In the summer of 2025, the two leaders met again in Astana, reaffirming the unprecedented level of mutual trust.
These visits laid the foundation for a systemic dialogue. A format of strategic consultations between the foreign ministers has been launched, and interregional exchanges have intensified. For example, in June 2025, Samarkand hosted the Second Uzbekistan–China Interregional Forum, demonstrating that bilateral cooperation extends far beyond capitals and is deeply rooted in regional engagement.
Economy: Growth Measured in Billions
China has firmly retained its position as Uzbekistan’s largest trade and economic partner. In 2023, mutual trade exceeded USD 13 billion, rising to USD 14 billion in 2024. The near-term goal of USD 20 billion appears realistic given current growth rates.
Investment flows underscore the strategic nature of cooperation. The portfolio of joint projects has surpassed USD 60 billion. In 2024 alone, more than USD 10 billion was invested in Uzbekistan’s economy, followed by over USD 3 billion in the first months of 2025. Nearly 4,000 enterprises with Chinese capital now operate in Uzbekistan, with more than 800 established in the past year alone.
This momentum is driven by reforms in Uzbekistan’s investment policy. In recent years, 89 free economic zones and nearly 700 industrial sites have been created, offering tax incentives and modern infrastructure. These measures reduce barriers for investors and accelerate the launch of new production facilities.
Energy remains one of the most important areas of bilateral cooperation. Uzbekistan has set an ambitious target: by 2030, renewable energy sources should account for 54% of the national energy mix. Chinese companies are actively supporting this transition. In December 2024, large-scale solar power plants were launched in Kashkadarya and Bukhara regions. These projects, worth USD 650 million, became the largest of their kind in the region and set the pace for the development of green energy in Central Asia.
Equally significant is cooperation with Chinese automotive giant BYD. In 2024, Uzbekistan began production of electric and hybrid vehicles, with plans to scale up to 300,000 units annually in the coming years. This will not only meet domestic demand but also enable the country to emerge as an exporter of advanced transport solutions.
Logistics is another strategic pillar. Integration into global value chains is impossible without modern transport infrastructure. A landmark step was the launch of construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway in December 2024. This new route across Central Asia will link Uzbekistan with the markets of East and Southeast Asia, providing a powerful boost to exports and strengthening its role as a regional logistics hub. The project is fully aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, opening new opportunities for Uzbekistan’s integration into Eurasian transport corridors.
Humanitarian Ties: Investing in Human Capital
Cooperation extends far beyond economics. China provides both technical and humanitarian assistance, including the supply of medical and educational equipment, and shares its experience in poverty reduction.
In education, several notable joint projects have been launched in recent years: the opening of a branch of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University of China, the establishment of an International Mathematics Center at Urgench State University, and the launch of the Luban Workshop program. A significant milestone was the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute in Tashkent, which plays a central role in promoting Chinese language and culture.
In 2026, Uzbekistan and China plan to hold cross-cultural weeks of arts and culture, adding a new dimension to humanitarian cooperation.
Multilateral Platforms and Regional Cooperation
Bilateral dialogue is actively reinforced by cooperation in multilateral frameworks. In June 2025, the two sides confirmed their readiness to strengthen coordination within the UN, SCO, and the “Central Asia–China” format. Uzbekistan views the SCO as a strategic platform for attracting investment in renewable energy, developing mechanical engineering, and creating new transport corridors.
A landmark achievement was the signing of the Protocol concluding bilateral negotiations on Uzbekistan’s WTO accession in the summer of 2025. China’s support highlights that this partnership extends beyond regional interests and contributes to shaping the global trade architecture.
Regional cooperation is also thriving. In early June 2025, Samarkand hosted the Second Uzbekistan–China Interregional Forum, which became a practical platform for business engagement and discussions of new projects in agriculture, textiles, tourism, and small business. This format is especially valuable as it provides Uzbekistan’s regions with direct access to Chinese investors, while Chinese provinces gain new opportunities for cooperation in Central Asia.
Conclusion
The partnership between Uzbekistan and China demonstrates that strategic cooperation is not just a declaration but a consistent, result-oriented effort. Multibillion-dollar investments, new transport corridors, joint projects in green energy, educational initiatives, and cultural exchanges are transforming bilateral relations into a cornerstone of regional stability.
Today, it can be stated with confidence: the partnership between Tashkent and Beijing has become one of the key pillars of a new Eurasia. This cooperation is not limited to immediate pragmatic interests—it defines a strategic trajectory that will shape the future of Central Asia within the global system of coordinates.
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