In recent years, Uzbekistan-China relations have consistently risen to a new level, deepening political trust and economic integration. Abbos Bobokhonov and Mokhinur Khasanova, an undergraduate student at UWED and an IAIS volunteer, noted that China is strengthening its position as one of Uzbekistan's largest trading partners and a leading investor, while Tashkent considers Beijing an important strategic partner in modernizing the national economy, enhancing infrastructure and industrial potential, as well as technological renewal. It is noted that the high-level meetings and sectoral consultations held during 2025 contributed to institutionalizing existing cooperation and strengthening practical effectiveness.
The article emphasizes the stability of political dialogue: cooperation is being strengthened at the level of "comprehensive strategic partnership" through mechanisms such as regular meetings between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and PRC Chairman Xi Jinping in 2025, the Intergovernmental Committee, and Strategic Dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Economic indicators are also cited as an important foundation for this process: in January-November 2025, trade turnover reached $14.6 billion, Chinese investments attracted in 2017-2024 amounted to $24.6 billion, and the portfolio of joint projects is expanding. The increase in the number of enterprises with Chinese capital and large industrial initiatives (including manufacturing and energy sectors) are cited as factors expanding the practical scope of cooperation.
At the same time, the authors note the need for balanced development of cooperation in the next stage: deepening integration in innovation and education, expanding export opportunities, aligning standardization and certification mechanisms, and gradually reducing trade imbalances are put forward as priority tasks. The introduction of a 30-day visa-free regime from 2025 is expected to accelerate people-to-people relations, cooperation in tourism and education, and further strengthen mutual trust in the long term.
Read on the website of the National News Agency of Uzbekistan “UzA”
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
