China-Central Asia cooperation reached new milestones during the sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Saturday. Senior diplomats gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to plan fresh initiatives in trade, connectivity, and multilateralism. The cooperation discussions focused on making the upcoming June summit in Astana a major success. Diplomats from all six nations exchanged views on summit documents and pledged tighter coordination. Officials stressed the need to reject unilateralism and protectionism during these uncertain global times.
The China-Central Asia mechanism, launched in 2020, continues to gain momentum with strong participation from all members. Leaders highlighted their shared commitment to boosting free trade and maintaining international rules. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu emphasized the meeting’s role in strengthening eternal friendship and prosperity. Nurtleu also praised China-Central Asia cooperation as a flagship among regional partnerships. Furthermore, all six nations agreed that new projects will enhance trade, investments, and industrial ties.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s pledge to open wider and work closely with its neighbors. Moreover, Wang strongly criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on over 180 countries. He noted that China counters these actions to defend fairness, international order, and global justice. The meeting’s joint statement clearly rejected unilateral protectionism and reaffirmed multilateral trade principles. China-Central Asia cooperation will continue safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved.
In addition, Economic ties between China and Central Asia are growing stronger, based on recent trade statistics. In 2023, China’s trade with Central Asia reached $77.132 billion by October. Trade continued to grow in early 2024, rising 6.9 percent year-on-year. Han Chunlin, China’s ambassador to Kazakhstan, highlighted successful Belt and Road cooperation with all five countries. Han emphasized that these partnerships set an important global benchmark for collaboration and connectivity.
During the meeting, Wang Yi presented a five-point proposal to deepen China-Central Asia cooperation. His plan urged maintaining harmony, fostering mutual benefits, advancing institutional development, ensuring fairness, and nurturing long-term friendships. The ministers expressed readiness to align their national strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, they pledged to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism, extremism, separatism, and cross-border crime. Together, they aim to secure regional peace and sustain China-Central Asia cooperation for generations to come.
