In recent years, the People’s Republic of China has demonstrated consistent intensification of cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, which is manifested in the platform of multilateral dialogue at the level of heads of state in the China-Central Asia format initiated by President Xi Jinping. One of the concrete results of the deepening bilateral interaction between Uzbekistan and China was the signing of an agreement on visa-free regime on 1 December 2024.
According to the agreements reached, from 1 June 2025, citizens of both countries will be able to make mutual trips for up to 30 days without the need to issue visas. The entry into force of the agreement on the designated date is likely due to the need to finalize internal legal and administrative procedures, to agree on mechanisms of interdepartmental interaction, as well as technical preparation of infrastructure and border crossing system. In addition, the choice of the date of 1 June may be due to the seasonal factor – the summer months traditionally see an increase in tourist and business traffic, which makes the application of the agreement particularly relevant.
It should be noted that the signing and implementation of the agreement is not only legal and practical, but also of a significant political nature. It is a symbol of a high level of mutual trust and aspiration for further institutionalization of strategic partnership between the two states. The simplification of the entry regime creates additional opportunities for intensifying contacts at the level of civil societies, educational institutions, cultural and scientific exchanges, i.e., for the development of people-to-people diplomacy, which complements interstate relations with informal but stable horizontal ties.
In the economic dimension, the cancellation of the visa regime may become an additional incentive to expand cooperation in trade, investment, transport, and logistics. China is already a leader among foreign investors in Uzbekistan, actively participating in the implementation of key infrastructure projects, including within the framework of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative. Simplification of border crossing procedures creates favorable conditions for intensification of business contacts, exchange of delegations and participation of business circles of both countries in joint projects.
Thus, the visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and China is not only a pragmatic step in the field of visa liberalization, but also an instrument aimed at strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, and humanitarian ties. Its implementation opens up new horizons for the comprehensive development of bilateral cooperation in line with the spirit of good neighborliness, strategic interaction and mutual benefit.
* 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.
