Strategic Partnership Between Uzbekistan and China: New Avenues for Economic Cooperation

Sino-Uzbek cooperation constitutes a pivotal element in Central Asia’s geopolitical and economic dynamics. This partnership has evolved far beyond mere trade, expanding into critical spheres such as energy, transport logistics, the agro-industrial complex, security, and educational exchanges. The contemporary phase of the strategic partnership between the two nations is characterised by a focus on economic pragmatism and the pursuit of geopolitical equilibrium. The Chinese model of investment, which prioritises the implementation of “short and fast” initiatives across various regions and sectors, demonstrates a growing adaptability in Beijing’s approach and a reciprocal pragmatism from Tashkent, which is keen to diversify its national economy. However, beneath this outward dynamism lies a fundamental challenge for Uzbekistan: the necessity to balance the evident economic benefits against the risks of increasing dependency. Matters pertaining to China’s position on the Uyghur issue remain an integral component of the bilateral dialogue. The relationship has now matured into a multifaceted interdependence: for Uzbekistan, it represents the primary external resource for modernisation, while for China, it is a crucial element for consolidating its influence in the region. Consequently, Tashkent’s capacity to skilfully manage this dialogue, maximising advantages while mitigating risks, will shape not only its own future but also the contours of Central Asia’s geoeconomic landscape as a whole.

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