On September 2 in Beijing, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping held talks. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People as part of the Uzbek leader’s official visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory in World War II.
Support for sovereignty and new areas of cooperation
Xi Jinping stressed that China and Uzbekistan are “friendly neighbors and all-weather comprehensive strategic partners for a new era.” The Chinese side expressed readiness to:
- accelerate the alignment of development strategies,
- promote the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway,
- develop cooperation in science and technology, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence, and poverty reduction,
- strengthen cultural, educational, and tourism ties,
- expand interaction in the field of security and the fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
Mirziyoyev: the importance of global governance and peace
The President of Uzbekistan noted China’s significant contribution to the victory in World War II and highly appreciated the anniversary events. He emphasized the importance of Xi Jinping’s initiative on global governance, which, in his words, “has profound strategic significance” and responds to the challenges of the modern world.
Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to deepen its strategic partnership with China on the principles of mutual respect and mutual support.
Economy and investment
The two leaders noted the dynamic development of trade and economic cooperation. In 2024, trade turnover exceeded $14 billion, and in 2025 it increased by another 23%. The parties set the goal of bringing this figure to $20 billion by expanding supplies of industrial and agricultural products.
The portfolio of joint investment projects reached $60 billion. In 2024 alone, 64 projects worth over $10 billion were launched. Priority areas include energy, transport, digitalization, mineral processing, chemical industry, agriculture, and tourism.
Signed agreements
Following the talks, a number of documents were signed, including:
- an agreement on aligning development strategies,
- mutual opening of cultural centers,
- cooperation in medicine, economy, space, customs regulation, and market supervision.
Cultural and educational cooperation
Special attention was paid to the development of humanitarian ties. The opening of branches of leading Chinese universities in Uzbekistan was confirmed, along with the holding of the second Education Forum, expansion of Chinese language studies, and increasing quotas for Uzbek youth to study in China.
Uzbek-Chinese “Luban Workshops” will be established in the regions of Uzbekistan to train specialists in energy, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and IT.
Tourism and humanitarian exchanges
To increase tourist flows, the number of flights is being expanded and a visa-free regime is in force. Exhibitions of Uzbek art will be held in Beijing and Shanghai in 2027. During the visit, an agreement on the mutual opening of cultural centers was signed.
Results and prospects
The parties confirmed their unwavering support for the “One China” policy, as well as joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The start of practical implementation of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway was welcomed.
At the conclusion of the talks, Mirziyoyev invited Xi Jinping to visit Uzbekistan. The meeting was held in a trustful and friendly atmosphere.