On June 3, 2025, Astana hosted the 5th Think Tank Forum titled “Central Asia–China: New Horizons of Regional Partnership.” The event was co-organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) and the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).
The forum brought together representatives of leading think tanks, government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations from Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Since 2021, the China–Central Asia Think Tank Forums have been held annually, reflecting the growing role of expert communities in informing political decision-making processes.
This year’s forum placed particular emphasis on the development of a strategic framework for cooperation between Central Asia and China. Key topics included the expansion of transit corridors and technological collaboration in areas such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the creation of innovative ecosystems.
The event was officially opened by Yerlan Karin, State Counsellor of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the dynamic growth of relations between China and the Central Asian states, emphasizing the importance of strengthening multilateral dialogue.
He noted that the upcoming second China–Central Asia Summit in Astana is further evidence of the growing strategic ties between the region and China. He also outlined Kazakhstan’s reform agenda and the country’s priority development areas, stressing the increasing importance of expert-level dialogue.
In a video address to the forum participants, Gao Xiang, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized the forum’s critical role within the bilateral cooperation mechanism, particularly in fostering humanitarian exchanges, promoting public dialogue, and advancing practical cooperation.
The Chinese speaker underscored the importance of collaboration in areas such as security, technological and industrial development, and cultural exchange.
He added: “Going forward, we should unlock the potential for cooperation in education, tourism, media, think tanks, youth and cultural communities, as well as in archaeology and sports. This requires the creation of multi-level platforms involving governments, business, civil society, and citizens.”
Yerkin Tukumov, Director of KazISS, stressed that in an era of global turbulence, the analytical community is becoming increasingly important as a bridge between governments and societies.
“Today, a new world order is taking shape. The global storm has not subsided—on the contrary, it is intensifying. But in essence, this is a golden age for diplomacy and the study of international relations,” emphasized Yerkin Tukumov, highlighting the unique role that think tanks play in strengthening regional partnerships.
He outlined the key achievements of the Central Asia–China cooperation format, including the growth of trade volumes, the launch of the Secretariat, and the deepening of humanitarian ties. Tukumov underscored the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, describing it not merely as a route, but as a future interregional economic lifeline.
He identified three priority areas for further cooperation: development of transport corridors, capacity building and human capital development and water security amid growing climate instability.
“The well-established trust and business-level engagement between our countries significantly broadens the horizons for cooperation. We are keen to pursue joint projects in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and the development of technology parks and research centers,” Tukumov stated.
He also expressed confidence that the upcoming Central Asia–China Summit would give fresh momentum to the strategic partnership and that the expert community would contribute actionable proposals that reflect the shared interests of the entire region.
In his remarks, Sun Zhuangzhi, Director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that despite a complex and unstable international environment, the good-neighborly and friendly relations between China and the Central Asian countries continue to grow steadily. He emphasized the strong internal momentum and unique characteristics of their strategic partnership—its high level, broad scope, comprehensive nature, and long-term vision.
Speaking about the upcoming China-Central Asia Summit, Sun highlighted its symbolic and strategic importance. He noted that the summit would lay a long-term roadmap for cooperation and open up significant opportunities to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the countries of Central Asia.
“The world needs a stable Central Asia, a prosperous Central Asia, a harmonious Central Asia, and a well-connected Central Asia,” stated Sun Zhuangzhi, underscoring the importance of strengthening cooperation and strategic planning within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and broader regional partnership mechanisms.
As part of the forum, thematic sessions were held on the following topics: “The Strategic Architecture of Central Asia–China Cooperation: Systemic Approach, Openness, and Shared Interests”, “From Transit Corridor to Economic Hub: Promising Sectors and Projects”, “Technological Cooperation: Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and the Development of Innovation Ecosystems”.
The forum featured presentations by heads of leading Central Asian and Chinese think tanks, as well as prominent experts and researchers. Among the speakers were: Khairiddin Usmonzoda, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia (Uzbekistan), Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shumkarbek Adilbek uulu, Deputy Director of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Shiri Shiriyev, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan, Assel Sarsenbayeva, Chairwoman of the Board, Institute for Economic Research JSC (Kazakhstan), Zhang Ning, Head of the Central Asia and Caucasus Division at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies CASS, Han Lu, Deputy Director of the Institute of Eurasian Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, Xu Jin, Head of the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Division at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, CASS and other distinguished participants.
Forum participants emphasized that the partnership between China and Central Asia is entering a new stage — with a strong focus on institutionalization, security issues, technological and transport-logistics cooperation, and the development of human capital.
By bringing together the expert community, think tanks serve as a vital link between policy and real-world transformation, contributing to the advancement of a constructive and forward-looking cooperation agenda.
