China and Uzbekistan Pledge to Deepen Strategic Ties at SCO Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. Marking the tenth anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership, both leaders pledged to create a new decade of collaboration. Discussions focused on high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and desertification control, and strengthening law enforcement coordination against regional security threats.

The bilateral meeting reinforces China's diplomatic and economic footprint across Central Asia. By setting concrete priorities in regional transport infrastructure, green development, and technology, Beijing aims to accelerate the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway corridor while deepening bilateral trade, energy, and security alignment.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Bishkek during the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, according to reports published by Xinhua and state media outlets. Marking the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan, President Xi noted that bilateral relations have continuously upgraded under joint leadership. He stated that China remains committed to deepening friendship with Uzbekistan regardless of changes in the international landscape, supporting Uzbekistan's chosen development path and aiming to foster a new 'golden decade' of bilateral relations. Xi highlighted several key priority areas for practical cooperation. He called for high-quality advancement of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project and the expansion of joint work in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence and desertification control. Xi also emphasized the need to sustain momentum in subnational exchanges, accelerate the mutual establishment of cultural centres, and broaden collaboration in education and poverty alleviation. In the security domain, Xi urged both sides to leverage bilateral law enforcement mechanisms to counter the 'three forces' of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, while advancing the outcomes of the SCO Tianjin summit. President Mirziyoyev expressed strong confidence in China's development path and stated that Uzbekistan's commitment to strengthening relations with Beijing remains unwavering. He reiterated Uzbekistan's firm adherence to the One-China principle and expressed support for China's major global initiatives. Mirziyoyev noted that Tashkent aims to expand bilateral trade and investment, deepen cooperation in agriculture, transport, energy, minerals, and science and technology, and work closely with China to maintain regional security and international fairness. Senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, attended the bilateral meeting.