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兰州大学中亚研究所所长杨恕:深化中国—中亚合作是新形势下的战略选择
2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-06-20 11:18

Core Viewpoint - The second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana on June 17, 2025, marked a significant step in enhancing cooperation between China and the five Central Asian countries, focusing on building a "China-Central Asia community of shared destiny" and promoting various collaborative initiatives [1][2]. Group 1: Summit Outcomes - The summit resulted in the signing of the "Astana Declaration" and a permanent friendly cooperation treaty among China and the five Central Asian countries [1]. - A total of 12 cooperation documents were signed, covering areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, trade facilitation, green minerals, and customs cooperation [1]. - The outcomes included a comprehensive list of 110 achievements across six priority cooperation areas, including trade, industrial investment, and agricultural modernization [1]. Group 2: Strategic Significance - The establishment of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism is seen as strategically significant, providing a platform for enhanced political trust and practical cooperation in various fields [2][5]. - The geographical advantages of Central Asia have become increasingly prominent, positioning the region as a crucial corridor for the China-Europe Railway Express and a source of key resources for China's green energy transition [2][5]. Group 3: Trade Dynamics - Trade between China and the five Central Asian countries has expanded significantly, with imports and exports growing from 3120.4 billion yuan in 2013 to 6741.5 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 116% increase [3][4]. - In the first five months of 2024, trade reached a historical high of 2864.2 billion yuan, with exports growing by 5.6% and imports by 21% [4]. - The import of agricultural products from Central Asia has surged, with notable increases in specific products such as flaxseed from Kazakhstan and raisins from Uzbekistan [4]. Group 4: Infrastructure Projects - The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which has recently entered the construction phase, is expected to significantly improve transportation conditions between China's southern regions and Central Asia [3][8]. - This railway will facilitate a new trade route to the Indian Ocean, enhancing the strategic autonomy and trade convenience for Central Asian countries [3][8]. - The project is anticipated to have a profound impact on regional connectivity and economic development, benefiting not only Central Asia but also Afghanistan [8].