Ties with Central Asia

President Xi Jinping's policy speech delivered at Nazarbayev University in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on Saturday embodied China's vision on lifting ties with Central Asian countries to a new height. By outlining a blueprint for the future of China-Central Asia ties, Xi sent a message that China deems these relations a priority.

Among the multiple suggestions to rejuvenate the region, the proposal to build a Silk Road economic belt was eye-catching as it reflects ingenious thinking to integrate cultural ties with economic development in the region.

Commercial and cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road laid a solid foundation for the traditional friendship between China and Central Asia and Eurasia at large. With the modern Silk Road boasting a population of 3 billion and a market with unparalleled scale and potential, the initiative would have a far-reaching impact on promoting common prosperity in Eurasia, especially on the economic development of the inland countries.