The sky on the grassland is like a flowing painting with rolling clouds. As the stars shift, the ancient camel bells travel through thousands of years, stirring up a symphony of friendship in the new era.

Astana on the banks of the Ishim River, the fragrance of summer flowers is refreshing.   Welcome back to Kazakhstan again! "Old friend President Tokayev warmly welcomed you with warm Chinese greetings, conveying the warmth of being at home.

From June 16th to 18th, the pointer of China's characteristic major country diplomacy points to a new round of "China Central Asia time". From the millennium ancient capital Xi'an to the grassland pearl Astana, the China Central Asia Summit has entered Central Asia for the first time.

The host country Kazakhstan is fully prepared and carefully arranged. From Bishkek in the Chu River Basin, from Dushanbe on the Amu Darya River, from Ashgabat on the edge of the Karakum Desert, and from Tashkent on the oasis of the Cherchik River Valley, leaders of other four Central Asian countries rushed to the "China Central Asia Treaty".

The national flags of China and five Central Asian countries are flying high in Astana. The world is watching and thinking: when changes in the world, times, and history unfold in unprecedented ways, why did Central Asia, a vast land that connects the east and west and runs through the north and south, choose to shake hands more closely with China?

Extending the time, space, and longitude highlights its deeper meaning. Once upon a time, in geopolitical narratives, Central Asia was seen as a battleground for the so-called Great Game due to its location at the crossroads of civilizations. Shaking hands with China, it has discovered new possibilities for equal treatment and harmonious coexistence with major powers, and has made a trustworthy and reliable good neighbor, partner, friend, and brother.

Once upon a time, in the process of human modernization, Central Asia was regarded as a "development depression" due to its distance from the ocean. By shaking hands with China, it has gained a new opportunity to connect the world's most active economic space, opened a Xintiandi of common development, common prosperity and common prosperity, and found a fellow traveler and fellow traveler on the road to modernization.

Due to the handshake between China and Central Asia, the world is rediscovering the significance of Central Asia, redefining China's role, and reevaluating the power of the global South and the future of the Eurasian continent. A land of over 13.6 million square kilometers connected by more than 3300 kilometers of boundary lines, and a story of nearly 1.5 billion people pursuing modernization together, how can it not inspire the world, and how can it not be exciting?

Be a strong support for each other in the chaotic cloud crossing, and provide mutually beneficial assistance in development and revitalization.

What is the 'once-in-a-century great change'? How to jointly promote the evolution of the centennial changes towards a direction conducive to human development and progress?  

A spirit that radiates new colors of millennium friendship

The trip to Southeast Asia in April, the visit to Russia in May, and the visit to Central Asia in June have all focused on the surrounding areas since the beginning of this year.  

Flipping through the pages of the "reciprocity exchange" between China and Central Asian countries since the new era, how many unforgettable moments! It is the "cloud" meeting on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the "Winter Olympics Convention" in the new spring of China, the first visit to Central Asia since the COVID-19, and the frequent trips to China to attend the grand event of jointly building the "the Belt and Road"

In less than a year, I once again set foot on the land of Central Asia.  

Passing through familiar street scenes, driving past the towering National Independence Monument. At around 4 pm on the 17th, President Xi Jinping's convoy arrived at the Astana Independence Palace, the venue of the second China Asia Summit.

On the sea blue giant screen, the flags of China and the five Central Asian countries flutter like sails. The heads of state of the six countries stood side by side, and the second "family photo" of the China Asia Summit was captured.

Two years ago during the month of Vixia, President Xi Jinping and leaders of five Central Asian countries gathered in Xi'an to jointly plan the "Xi'an Vision" for China Central Asia cooperation. This reunion is to look back on "Xi'an" and embark on "Astana", to continue strengthening China Central Asia cooperation and explore new prospects.

I recall with warm emotions the first summit we held in Xi'an, which laid a solid foundation for the China Central Asia mechanism, "said Kyrgyzstan President Zaparov emotionally.

Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev described China's cooperation in Central Asia with the proverb 'One goes fast, others go far'. He proudly stated, "Since the Xi'an Summit, we have achieved remarkable success in building an efficient platform for dialogue and pragmatic cooperation

Turkmenistan President Berdymukhamedov expressed such expectations: "I believe that the Astana Summit will further consolidate the broad consensus we formed at the Xi'an Summit and continue to deepen common cooperation in various fields

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In the conference hall of the Independence Palace, Chinese red and Kazakh blue complement each other, and the heads of state of the six countries sit around the table, forming a "concentric circle". A common proposition is presented to leaders: as mechanisms develop and situations change, how can we keep pace with the times and adapt to the trend, make new top-level designs for the development of China Central Asia relations, and point out new directions for comprehensive cooperation between China and Central Asia?

This is the perspective of great history——

This is the wisdom of planning for the future——

More than 2100 years ago, the "hollowed out" trip to the Western Regions opened the door to friendly exchanges between China and Central Asia. Products, skills, and customs come along the way, and China and the people of Central Asia have jointly written the Silk Road legend of "galloping through the post station, never ending in the hour and month; merchants and merchants selling goods, Japanese money under the blockade".

More than 30 years ago, the five Central Asian countries declared independence, and China was the first to formally establish diplomatic relations with all of them. From thoroughly resolving historical border issues to jointly building a new framework for regional security cooperation, from neighborly friendship to strategic partnership and then to comprehensive strategic partnership, China and Central Asian countries have set a model and exemplary example for building a new type of international relations in the "post Cold War era world".

Entering a new era, adhering to the concept of affinity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, China and Central Asian countries have embarked on a brighter path of neighborly friendship, win-win cooperation, and integrated coexistence. The most interesting thing is the "three full coverage": full coverage of the comprehensive strategic partnership, full coverage of the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" partners, and full coverage of bilateral and regional communities of common destiny.

A friendly epic spanning thousands of years, accumulated and shining. The story of China and Central Asia is both ancient and novel.

The tip of the pen rustled across the paper, and the heads of state of the six countries solemnly signed. The two most important outcome documents of this summit have been officially implemented.

One is the Astana Declaration, consisting of 16 aspects and over 6000 words. One paragraph was repeatedly reported by the international media: "All parties agreed that it is in the fundamental interests of the six countries and the people of the six countries to maintain fruitful and all-round cooperation with the five Central Asian countries. In the face of the unprecedented changes in a century, and with an eye to the future of the people of all countries in the region, the six countries are determined to work together to build a closer China Central Asia community of shared future."

One is a permanent treaty of good neighborly friendship and cooperation, which is not long in content but carries significant weight. The establishment of the principle of intergenerational friendship in legal form is a milestone event in the history of relations among the six countries and a pioneering move in China's neighboring diplomacy. President Tokayev expressed his joy: "We highly support President Xi Jinping's initiative to build a community with a shared future in the surrounding areas. It is encouraging that this important concept is reflected in the permanent good neighborly friendly cooperation treaty signed at the summit

Mountains and rivers are connected, lips and teeth depend on each other, and trust each other and treat each other with sincerity. Starting from Astana, we will build a China Central Asia community with a shared future that supports mutual assistance, common development, universal security, and intergenerational friendship. China, together with Central Asia, is striding ahead in the practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

A great road, supporting the dream of development and revitalization

In the oasis cotton field, agricultural machinery personnel learn to use drones to spray pesticides; At the Luban Workshop, young students practice operating urban thermal power equipment; In the desert, green seedlings have taken root and grown branches one by one; At the dock, containers are embarking on a new journey of land sea intermodal transportation... The unveiling ceremony of the China Central Asia Cooperation Center and platform is underway at the Independence Palace Conference Hall.  

Colleagues, do you agree to the unveiling of the China Central Asia Cooperation Center and Platform? "President Tokayev asked. Agreed! "The heads of state of each country answered one by one. On the big screen, the red curtain slowly opens, and the golden plaques of China Central Asia Poverty Reduction Cooperation Center, China Central Asia Education Exchange and Cooperation Center, China Central Asia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center, and China Central Asia Trade Cooperation Platform shine brightly.

The century long changes have been turbulent, with the simultaneous acceleration of power restructuring and pattern reshaping. Central Asia, which is united and self reliant, aspires to become a "new civilization region that the world attaches importance to and pays attention to". Why can the China Central Asia mechanism stand out and become a new benchmark for regional cooperation, given the continuous emergence of various "Central Asian Five+" models?

Two time dimensions, clearly visible——

One is to examine the effectiveness of the China Central Asia mechanism from the two years since the launch of the summit.

Two years ago, the China Central Asia summit mechanism was officially launched, and the China Central Asia mechanism was upgraded. In the past two years, the mechanism has established 13 ministerial level cooperation platforms, the Secretariat is fully operational, and the four beams and eight pillars have basically taken shape.  

One is to see the sense of gain that the cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has brought to the people of all countries from the 12 years since the "the Belt and Road" initiative was proposed.

  The road is open, the light is on, the specialty has found a market, and the work has been settled... Central Asia has become one of the regions where the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" project has landed the most. Central Asian people also enjoy more and more fruits of cooperation, and have a better life.

  President Mirziyoyev introduced how Ukraine can learn from China's advanced experience to implement dozens of major projects and promote national economic and social development; President Zaparov thanks China for providing scholarships, allowing Kyrgyz students to have the opportunity to receive education in major cities in China; President Rahmon said that the young population of Tajikistan exceeds half of the total population of the country, and scientific research cooperation and people to people and cultural exchanges under the framework of the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" have created valuable growth opportunities for young people

"Action power" and "sense of gain" have created a good reputation of jointly building the "the Belt and Road" in Central Asia, and created the "brand attraction" of the China Central Asia mechanism.  

The heads of state of the six countries jointly declared 2025-2026 as the "Year of High Quality Development of China Central Asia Cooperation", which means that there will be more specific projects and early achievements in the six priority directions of trade facilitation, industrial investment, connectivity, green minerals, agricultural modernization, and personnel exchanges.

The heads of state of the six countries jointly witnessed the signing of the high-quality "the Belt and Road" action plan. This is the first time that China has signed the "the Belt and Road" cooperation document with all countries in the surrounding single region as a whole. Central Asia, as a demonstration area for the joint construction of the "the Belt and Road", has become better and more dynamic.

The practical measures announced by President Xi Jinping himself, such as providing 1.5 billion yuan in free aid to Central Asian countries this year and offering 3000 training opportunities to Central Asian countries in the next two years, have been praised by Central Asian media as a "heartwarming move" in response to the urgent need for Central Asian countries to enhance their independent development capabilities.

Let's read the official list of achievements released at the summit——

10 multilateral cooperation documents, 40 bilateral cooperation documents, and over 100 cooperation consensuses have jointly woven a beautiful picture of China Central Asia relations. Looking into the future, two directions of cooperation are particularly noteworthy: one is towards "novelty", and the other is to enter the "heart".

The tide of the fourth technological revolution and industrial transformation is surging and stirring, and Central Asian countries are unwilling to fall behind. They all look to China together. China has become a world leading technology powerhouse and center for artificial intelligence development, and Kazakhstan has a strong interest in implementing joint projects with Chinese partners. Turkmenistan warmly looks forward to cooperating with China in the fields of artificial intelligence and aerospace. Uzbekistan hopes to continue promoting the construction of the 'Digital Silk Road' and learn from China's experience and practice to implement green planning and promote the development of biotechnology. During the summit, leaders of Central Asian countries expressed their desire to join hands with China to move towards the 'new'.

Because China has explored a new path of modernization, it is well aware of the difficulties involved. President Xi Jinping solemnly promises: "China is willing to share its development experience and latest technological achievements with Central Asian countries, promote the connectivity of digital infrastructure, strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, and cultivate new quality productive forces

The friendship between nations lies in people's matchmaking, and people's matchmaking lies in heart to heart communication. In recent years, China Central Asia cooperation has become increasingly heart to heart. At this summit, cultural exchanges have also yielded fruitful results: multiple sister city agreements have been signed, and the number of sister cities between China and Central Asian countries has exceeded 100 pairs; Signing a cooperation initiative to facilitate personnel exchanges will make it more convenient for people from China and Central Asian countries to visit relatives; Agree to actively promote the establishment of cultural centers in each other and cooperate in the selection of "China Central Asia Cultural and Tourism Capital", so as to make the historical context of the six countries more closely connected and pass on the millennium Silk Road friendship from generation to generation

Some scholars say that Chinese path to modernization is "open-source modernization". Deepening the integration of development strategies with China, and closely linking with the Chinese market, opportunities, technology, and experience, the dream of Central Asian countries becoming "logistics hubs connecting Asia and Europe" is becoming closer to reality, and their position as an "important subject of international relations and global cooperation" is constantly consolidating. President Tokayev sighed, "In this positive process, comprehensive cooperation with China plays a key role

A vision that guides the direction of progress in the era

My dear friend, my elder brother, it's great to see you again. "" Respected Mr. Chairman, it's a pleasure to meet with you today. "" Respected Mr. Chairman, thank you for taking the time to have a bilateral meeting with me. "" My old friend and elder brother, it's a great pleasure to have the long-awaited meeting here

 Each bilateral meeting has a special arrangement: the two heads of state jointly witness the announcement of the signing of cooperation documents.

From the presidential palace to the hotel where they stayed, and then to the Independence Palace, bilateral meetings and multilateral summits gradually unfolded, presenting a rich and vivid picture of great power diplomacy.

What is a great power? An international consensus is that major powers should be the ones leading the trend of the times, ushering in a new era and receiving universal respect and widespread praise.

I still remember President Tokayev's unexpected Chinese opening statement at the beginning of the summit:

I still remember the firm promises and sincere thanks made by the leaders of Central Asian countries during each bilateral meeting

I would like to once again promise to you that Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China's position on all issues related to China's core interests, and also firmly supports your global development initiative, global security initiative, and global civilization initiative

Thank you for your high praise of the 'New Uzbekistan' reform plan and your affirmation of the unprecedented high level of Uzbekistan China relations. I would like to emphasize that these achievements are due to your strong support and personal participation in the cooperation process

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Of course, I also remember the heartwarming "Chinese friendship" and the inspiring "Chinese support".

Under your leadership, Kazakhstan has embarked on a path of development and revitalization that is in line with its national conditions, and has continuously achieved new achievements in national construction. As a friendly neighbor and strategic partner, China is sincerely pleased

Not long ago, Tajikistan successfully held the first International High level Conference on Glacier Protection. I congratulate you. China will continue to support Tajikistan in playing an important role in global climate governance

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It is the pattern and style of a great power, and more importantly, the responsibility and leadership of a great power.

In the current world, the continuous uncertainty and instability are impacting the international order and affecting the nerves of all countries. What's wrong with the world, what should we do? "Has become the most urgent issue of the times.

Only by not abandoning the heart of fairness and justice, and not falling for the ambition of mutual benefit and win-win, can we maintain world peace and achieve common development. There are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars, and unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are destined to harm others and oneself

I have always advocated that history cannot regress, it should move forward; the world cannot be divided, it should unite; humanity cannot return to the law of the jungle, it should build a community with a shared future for mankind

The resounding and powerful "voice of China" echoes in Central Asia for a long time.

President Zaparov made it clear that "we agree with China's position that there is no winner in a trade war, and we hope that relevant issues can be properly resolved." President Mirziyoyev lamented that China has become an important engine for human progress and global economic growth, and "the solution to any major problem in the world today cannot be achieved without China.

It is the common position and proposition of the six countries, as well as their common views on the times, the world, and the order. The Astana Declaration solemnly states the following:

All parties reaffirm their adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and respect for the independence, equality, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all countries

All parties firmly defend multilateralism, recognized international law, and international relations norms, and are committed to promoting an equal and orderly world multipolarization and inclusive economic globalization, jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice

All parties are committed to consolidating the multilateral trading system based on World Trade Organization rules, supporting international trade rules to keep pace with the times, and promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation

All parties reaffirm the importance of strengthening discussions on development issues within the framework of the World Trade Organization, and emphasize the necessity of supporting an open, inclusive, sustainable, stable, diversified, and reliable global supply chain

Standing in the middle of the year, looking back at the magnificent scenes of China's major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics since the beginning of this year, the true nature of China as a "constructive force in transforming the world" in the new era has become increasingly prominent.

It is a grand gesture of welcoming guests from all over the world and deepening the global "circle of friends" - both "going out" and "inviting in", receiving guests from all over the world, meeting with representatives of the international business community, leading China to promote independent and unilateral opening up, and continuously building a diversified "exhibition matrix". We sincerely welcome all countries to ride on the fast train of China's high-quality development and high-level opening up.

It is a great achievement to unite the global South and firmly stand on the right side of history - visiting the New Development Bank of BRICS countries, attending the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China Latin America Forum, sending a letter to the ministerial meeting of the coordinators of the implementation of the results of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation, and attending the second China Central Asia Summit... Under the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, we have gathered the "awakened power", worked together to promote the modernization process, and jointly built a better world.

This vision should be the common pursuit of all countries, and more importantly, the future firmly anchored by humanity.

People's Daily (June 20, 2025, Issue 01)