Published on: 2026-09-04
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The state visit of the Chairman of the PRC, Xi Jinping, to Kyrgyzstan and his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek became an important event not only for bilateral relations but also for the whole of Central Asia. Its significance is defined by the coincidence of two processes — the deepening of the China-Kyrgyz strategic partnership and the strengthening of the SCO’s role in the emerging architecture of Eurasian cooperation.
On August 31, the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, signed the Treaty on Eternal Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. Following the negotiations, the parties also signed and exchanged 32 bilateral documents covering trade, investment, transport, border cooperation, agriculture, science, education, culture, and digital technology.
The very conclusion of the Treaty of Eternal Good Neighborliness has a special political significance. It cements the long-term nature of the relations between the two states and creates a solid foundation for their further development.
A new level of interconnectedness
Speaking at a meeting with Sadyr Japarov, Xi Jinping stated that China is ready to “enhance the alignment of development strategies” of the two countries, deepen experience exchange, and achieve “a greater number of tangible and widely accessible practical cooperation results.” According to him, this should promote the further advancement of building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future.
This formula reflects an important feature of the current stage. China-Kyrgyzstan relations are gradually transitioning from individual infrastructure projects to a comprehensive model that integrates transportation, trade, investment, technology, and human connections.
One of the key directions is becoming transport interconnectivity. A special place is occupied by the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, the implementation of which is capable of changing the transport configuration of Central Asia.
For Kyrgyzstan, this project has strategic significance: the country gains the opportunity to turn its geographical location into an important economic resource, expand transit potential, and attract new investments.
The development of border infrastructure, including the Bedel checkpoint, is equally important. A modern border is not just a line of state control, but also a space for trade, logistics, tourism, and industrial cooperation.
The “Golden Period” of relations
Sadyr Japarov, speaking about the current stage of Kyrgyz-Chinese relations, noted that the cooperation between the two countries has entered a “golden period” of development. He emphasized that Xi Jinping’s state visit to Kyrgyzstan on Independence Day is a testament to friendship, mutual respect, and a high level of political trust.
According to the Kyrgyz leader, the revival of the Great Silk Road is taking practical form in the opening of new checkpoints and the construction of roads and railways.
It is this connection—between political trust and specific infrastructure projects—that is one of the main features of the current stage of relations.
Kyrgyzstan and the SCO
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit takes place simultaneously with the anniversary SCO summit in Bishkek. In 2026, the organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Over a quarter of a century, the SCO has transformed into a significant platform for multilateral cooperation in Eurasia. Its distinct feature lies in uniting countries with diverse political systems, economic interests, and foreign policy priorities.
The SCO is not a military-political bloc. Its significance lies primarily in the development of dialogue, mutual trust, and practical cooperation in the fields of security, economy, transport, energy, digital development, and humanitarian ties.
For Kyrgyzstan, holding the summit in Bishkek was an opportunity to strengthen its role in multilateral diplomacy. For China, it was an opportunity to simultaneously develop bilateral partnership with Kyrgyzstan and promote the strengthening of cooperation mechanisms within the SCO framework.
Central Asia – a space of new opportunities
Current events reflect a broader trend: Central Asia is gradually transforming from a peripheral region into an independent hub of international transport, trade, and investment flows.
Here, the interests of China, Russia, the Central Asian states, South Asia, and Europe intersect. The development of transport corridors and economic ties creates new opportunities for all the countries in the region.
For Kyrgyzstan, it is especially important to use these processes for its own development. Geographic location becomes an advantage only when it is supported by modern infrastructure, investments, technology, and trained personnel.
Therefore, the long-term outcome of the current visit will be determined not only by the number of agreements signed, but first and foremost by their practical implementation – the growth of trade, the creation of new productions, the expansion of exports, and the development of transport infrastructure.
A new chapter of partnership
Xi Jinping’s visit shows that China-Kyrgyzstan relations are entering a new stage. For China, Kyrgyzstan is an important neighboring country and a partner in the development of regional connectivity. For Kyrgyzstan, China is one of the key economic partners and the most important factor in expanding transport and investment opportunities.
In this sense, the state visit of the Chairman of the PRC and the Bishkek SCO summit should be regarded as interconnected events reflecting a single common process – the formation of a closer, more interconnected, and development-oriented Central Asia.
Author: Tolon Turganbayev
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