CGTN: China, Central Asian countries sign landmark treaty, vow to boost cooperation

Core Points - The second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, marking a significant step in strengthening partnerships among China and the five Central Asian nations [2][3][10] - The summit emphasized the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting mutual development and regional cooperation [1][8][10] Group 1: Treaty and Cooperation Framework - The Treaty aims to establish a legal foundation for everlasting friendship among the six countries, as stated by Chinese President Xi Jinping [3] - The China-Central Asia Spirit, which includes mutual respect, trust, benefit, and assistance, was highlighted as essential for modernization and high-quality development [4][8] - A CGTN poll indicated that 90% of respondents view the China-Central Asia mechanism as a framework for stability and development rather than rivalry [6] Group 2: Economic Cooperation and BRI - Trade between China and Central Asia reached a record $94.8 billion in 2024, with China's cumulative investment in the region exceeding $30 billion [10] - Xi urged for optimization of the cooperation framework to enhance efficiency and integration, focusing on trade, industrial investment, and connectivity [11][12] - The establishment of three cooperation centers for poverty reduction, education exchange, and desertification prevention was announced to promote relevant cooperation [12] Group 3: Diplomatic Engagement - The China-Central Asia partnership is seen as a new model of diplomatic engagement that respects independence and promotes mutual benefit, especially in the context of rising global protectionism [13]