Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev published an article in China Daily titled “Uzbekistan and the SCO: Cooperation for Global Peace and Prosperity,” in which he detailed Uzbekistan’s strategic partnership with China and the country’s role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Uzbekistan–China Strategic Partnership

Mirziyoyev emphasized that today, Uzbekistan-China cooperation serves as a model of pragmatic and balanced partnership, promoting sustainable regional development and strengthening the SCO’s role as a platform for mutually beneficial multilateral engagement.

He noted that bilateral relations cover political dialogue, security, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. During a state visit to China in January 2024, the two countries elevated relations to the level of a “comprehensive strategic partnership of a new level.”

The president highlighted that “the personal attention and tireless efforts of President Xi Jinping ensure the implementation of all our agreements and strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Since 2017, bilateral trade has tripled, reaching US$14 billion, with plans to increase it to US$20 billion soon. Chinese investments in Uzbekistan’s economy total US$24.6 billion, including major projects in industry and high technology. These include the 2024 launch of the first electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Central Asia by BYD and the opening of the Luban Workshop in Tashkent to train specialists in logistics and IT.

Cultural cooperation is also flourishing: Confucius Institutes in Tashkent and Samarkand promote Chinese language and culture, and the visa-free regime introduced in June 2025 strengthens people-to-people contacts, business, and tourism.

“Our countries actively cooperate in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which is an important factor in regional stability,” Mirziyoyev noted.

Uzbekistan’s Role in the SCO

The president stressed that the SCO is becoming an important platform for international cooperation amid global instability, growing geopolitical competition, and climate challenges. “The organization unites countries with different political systems, histories, and cultures, demonstrating the viability of harmonious coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.

Uzbekistan promotes transport and logistics connectivity, digitalization of the economy, and green initiatives within the SCO. “The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will create new momentum for the China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor, significantly improving transport accessibility and strengthening the transit potential of member states,” the president said.

Uzbekistan also initiates expanded cooperation on security issues, law enforcement coordination, and countering cyber threats and drug trafficking. “Special attention is given to modern technology, data sharing, and joint training of security specialists,” Mirziyoyev emphasized.

SCO as a Tool for Sustainable Development

According to the president, the SCO provides access to major markets such as China and India and promotes the development of transport infrastructure, investment attractiveness, and cooperation in innovative sectors. “Today, more than 7,500 companies with SCO-country capital operate in Uzbekistan, accounting for more than half of all foreign enterprises in the country,” he said.

Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of humanitarian and cultural cooperation: joint educational programs, academic exchanges, cultural and sports events strengthen mutual trust and respect. Tourism is a priority: increasing passenger flights between Uzbekistan and China boosts tourist exchanges and economic interaction.

Central Asia and SCO Expansion

The president noted that a key task for Uzbekistan is strengthening Central Asia’s role as the SCO’s core. “The region has become a natural link between SCO countries in the vast Eurasian space. We actively promote regional integration, joint projects on water resources, energy, digital and green transformation,” he said.

He also highlighted SCO expansion: India and Pakistan joined in 2016, Iran became a full member at the 2022 Samarkand summit, and the process to admit Belarus has begun.

Conclusion

Mirziyoyev stressed that the SCO is not a counterbalance to existing international structures but a response to modern global challenges: “The organization offers a real alternative — mutual respect, dialogue, and joint development.”

“Through active cooperation within the SCO, Uzbekistan supports a new standard of regional engagement — based on pragmatism, respect for national characteristics, and commitment to sustainable development,” he concluded.

The president expressed confidence that the upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin will be successful and bring tangible results for all member countries. “I wish a peaceful sky, well-being, and prosperity to the friendly people of great China,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.