A China-Central Asia freight train loaded with refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and auto parts departs from the Tianjin Container Center Station, bound for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan via the Horgos Port on Oct 13. [Photo/VCG]

Editor's Note:

The 12th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum was held in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Nov 6. This forum built upon and put into action the goals outlined during the China-Central Asia Summit in Astana this June. At that summit, China and the Central Asian countries reached several important agreements, and this forum provides a platform to discuss how to implement and bring those agreements to fruition. Global Times (GT) reporter Chen Qingqing interviewed two participants at the forum: Rahim R. Hakimov (Hakimov), deputy speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and Serik Orazgaliyev (Orazgaliyev), an associate professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University - to talk about the current stage of China-Central Asia cooperation, future development focuses and their views on the recently China-proposed Global Governance Initiative.

GT: How do you view the significance of the current cooperation mechanisms between China and Central Asian countries, and what cooperation potentials in bilateral relations have you observed in recent years?

Hakimov: I believe the reason for the China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum being held in Urumqi, Xinjiang is that Urumqi serves as a key gateway for China's opening-up to the West and is a part of the "golden corridor." The purpose of the forum is to promote mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries.

Within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), both sides are actively advancing infrastructure connectivity. For example, we have jointly constructed numerous bridges, roads and other projects, which have facilitated cooperation in the fields of transportation and logistics.

In our efforts, we are also actively advancing the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, which will bring tremendous economic benefits to the three countries in the future. Through this visit, I have gained a deeper understanding of China's dynamic and thriving development. I have learned that China, particularly the Xinjiang region, has accumulated rich experience in poverty alleviation, and we hope to draw lessons from China's approach to help our people escape poverty.

Orazgaliyev: What I have observed is a strengthening of cooperation between China and Central Asia. I believe this cooperation is mutually beneficial for all countries in the region, and we are already seeing many positive developments. There are numerous joint projects, particularly in infrastructure, which I believe will have a positive impact on the economies of all countries in the region.

Noticeably, this cooperation is not limited to the economic sector - it also extends to culture and research. For example, I represent a university, and I can say that we now have more partnerships with universities across the region, especially in China. Currently, we have a collaboration with Tsinghua University in Beijing, and I am planning to visit Tsinghua for one week soon. This kind of academic exchange was rare in the past, but thanks to the current programs and cooperation initiatives, it is now becoming common.

Economic collaboration is the main focus, but we are also seeing an increasing number of meaningful projects in other areas such as research, science and culture.

GT: How have Central Asian countries managed to develop their relationships with China, Russia, and some Western countries?

Orazgaliyev: All countries face the challenge of balancing relations with their neighbors and major global powers. Whether we're talking about South Korea, Singapore, or even European countries like France and Germany, every country must navigate these dynamics. Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has pursued a multi-vector foreign policy, aiming to develop good relations with its neighbors as well as global powers.

This is why our president has emphasized the increasing role of middle powers. We see Kazakhstan as a middle power that can play a significant role in international relations. The global order is changing, and middle powers like Kazakhstan now have a greater influence in shaping international politics.

GT: What will be the key focus for the cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in the near future?

Orazgaliyev: I think energy is a key area of cooperation. We've already seen strong collaboration in the energy sector, starting with joint oil projects.

Looking ahead, other energy sources, such as nuclear power and renewable energies, will become increasingly important. Another significant area is the so-called Middle Corridor. The importance of countries in Eurasia is growing, and with that, the significance of the Middle Corridor is also increasing. It is now possible to transport goods all the way from China, through Kazakhstan, to the Caspian Sea and then to Europe. Positive developments are already occurring, such as the resolution of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. While there is still a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in the Caspian region remains stable, which facilitates more trade and increased cooperation along the Middle Corridor.

Trade, energy, and sustainable development are key areas where these countries can collaborate. When I mention sustainable development, I also want to highlight the increasing importance of critical raw materials, which are essential for future development.

GT: President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) when meeting with leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization family this September, stressing China's readiness to work with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system. What role do you think the GGI can play in regional development?

Hakimov: The GGI is an effective and very positive initiative. Our president has stated that he supports all the four global initiatives of China. China has had a lot of positive experiences in this field. We need positive global initiatives in governance. It's very useful, not only for Central Asian countries. It's a global initiative, which works toward a safe, just world for everyone, where countries maintain their independence and sovereignty.

Orazgaliyev: The idea of global governance is not just about economic cooperation; it also involves developing an international order where countries can coexist and cooperate. I believe this is crucial because, as we can see, there are many conflicts around the world today.

Such initiatives are timely and necessary, as they provide a platform for countries to cooperate and engage in dialogue. The best way to avoid conflicts, in my opinion, is to foster economic cooperation.

The BRI began with economic cooperation, and building on that, the GGI could be a very successful endeavor. If realized, it could significantly contribute to creating a more cooperative international environment.