China Expands Its Central Asian Footprint Through Aviation, Energy, and Trade
China and Central Asia are acting fast to expand air links. Chinese and Central Asian aviation officials gathered in Tashkent on November 3-5 for a Working Group session under the C5+1 format to improve implementation of existing agreements and review expansion plans. During the meeting, Kazakhstan agreed to raise permitted weekly flights from 150 to 180 and add routes to Chengdu and Kashgar.…
China is intensifying its presence in Central Asia through aviation, energy, and trade partnerships. Aviation officials from China and Central Asian nations convened in Tashkent to discuss expanding air links, with Kazakhstan increasing weekly flights to China and proposing new routes. Uzbekistan also plans to increase flight numbers and establish new routes between its major cities and Kazakhstan.
China and Kazakhstan signed a strategic partnership agreement, and Kazakhstan is developing a 25-year civil aviation master plan. Efforts are underway to modernize airports in Almaty, Urzhar, Shymkent, and other regions. On the energy front, Kazakhstan signed agreements with Chinese and Indian utilities, reinforcing China's position as the main buyer of Kazakh uranium.
Kazakhstan is also preparing to join a digital freight documentation test with China and developing a centralized fiscal system to align with China's Belt and Road trade initiatives. In transportation, Kazakhstan is set to launch the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line in 2027, expanding its access to the Chinese market. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have signed memorandums of understanding with Chinese firms for mining and infrastructure projects, respectively.
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