Hao Nan Editor’s note: This is the truncated version of an analysis by Hao Nan. It was originally published by the think tank Valdai Club. The complete text of the analysis is available at this link --- https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/central-asia-2026-from-great-power-prize/ --- Ed. In 2025, Central Asia began to look less like a blank space on someone else’s … [Read more...]
China and Central Asia’s Renewable Energy Turn
nCa Commentary Central Asia’s energy transition is gaining momentum, and China is emerging as one of its most influential external drivers. Long associated with oil, gas, and coal, the region is now accelerating investment in solar and wind power as electricity demand rises, infrastructure ages, and governments seek to reduce exposure to volatile hydrocarbon … [Read more...]
Inside China’s biggest show: What it says about the country
Chen Ziqi, CGTN’s reporter China Media Group (CMG) announces the theme and logo for the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival Gala, December 10, 2025. [Photo: CGTN] For millions of people in China, Chinese New Year’s Eve begins the same way: a long journey home, a table slowly filling with dishes, and conversations that stretch late into the night. It’s the one evening of … [Read more...]
Top 5 Mega-Projects in Central Asia with Asian Capital – EDB Data
Central Asia receives nearly 57% of all Asian investments, totaling US $68 billion. The key recipients are Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. This was stated in the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) report titled "The Eurasian Region and Partner Countries in Asia: Analysis of Investment Flows Based on EDB Mutual Investment Monitoring." According to the report, the … [Read more...]
Keeping one-fifth of humanity warm – Inside China’s winter energy stress test
Niu Honglin, producer and host with the Round Table China podcast. Winter has a way of stripping systems down to their essentials. Pipes freeze. Power lines snap. Heaters become the most important appliance in the house. When I started researching this episode of the podcast, I kept coming back to a simple question that feels increasingly global: what actually keeps people … [Read more...]
Bilateral Currency Swap Agreements and Local Currency Trade Settlements
nCa Report The practice of countries engaging in mutual trade and settlements using their own local currencies, often facilitated by bilateral currency swap agreements (BSAs), has gained momentum as part of broader dedollarization efforts. These arrangements allow nations to bypass third-party currencies like the US dollar or euro, reducing transaction costs, foreign … [Read more...]
China-Central Asia format: The catalyst for practical cooperation – On the occasion of exceeding the $100 billion trade mark between China and Central Asia.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin According to statistics from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, the volume of trade between China and the five Central Asian countries in 2025 amounted to US $ 106.3 billion, with an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. This is the first time that … [Read more...]
Galloping through cultures: How horses connect humanity
Chen Ziqi, reporter from CGTN Giant horse-shaped lantern at Laomendong Scenic Zone, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, lights up celebrations for the upcoming Year of the Horse, January 15, 2026. [Photo: VCG] Every time the Chinese New Year approaches, I find myself paying closer attention to the animal of the year. Not just the symbolism, but the stories behind it, where … [Read more...]
Historic Milestone: China-Central Asia Trade Turnover Surpasses $100 Billion for the First Time
In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian nations reached a qualitatively new level, hitting a historic milestone. According to official data from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, reported by Xinhua News Agency, the total trade turnover between China and the region amounted to $106.3 billion, a 12% increase over the previous year. This … [Read more...]
An “Impeccable” Mistake: How a Factory Glitch Led to a Business Breakthrough
CGTN reporter Qin Mei In a factory in China's Yiwu, widely known as the "world's supermarket," a mistake unexpectedly sparked a toy sensation in early 2026: a horse's mouth stitched in the wrong direction. Recently, a viral online post showcased customer posted photos online showing that the mouth of a Year of the Horse plush toy with its mouth sewn upside down. … [Read more...]
Building a clean and beautiful world by pursuing green and low-carbon development
CGTN podcast In the summer of 2025, high temperatures swept across many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, with extreme heat occurring in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Experts predict that as global warming continues, extreme high-temperature events are expected to become more common, more intense, and last longer in many regions. In April 2025, UN … [Read more...]
Shared Borders, Shared Futures
Niu Honglin is a producer and host with CGTN. She is also one of the editors of Stories of Xi Jinping. Peace doesn’t always fall apart because of distant rivals. Peace breaks down because neighbors stop talking. Borders are challenged, and trust chipped away. Small disagreements fester and become permanent. In a world full of global flash points, it’s often relationships … [Read more...]
Building an open and inclusive world through exchanges and mutual learning
CGTN Podcast On July 10, 2025, the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting kicked off in Beijing. Over 600 guests from 140 countries and regions engaged in in-depth discussions under the theme “Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development.” Together, they contributed wisdom and strength to fostering mutual understanding among … [Read more...]
China Extends Preferential Visa Conditions for Turkmenistan Citizens Until End of 2026
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan has announced the extension of the policy of temporarily reduced visa fees for Turkmen citizens until 31 December 2026. This measure is aimed at further simplifying travel and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. According to the official statement from the diplomatic mission, the reduced visa … [Read more...]
Building a world of common prosperity through win-win cooperation
CGTN podcast “China is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of the international order, and provider of public goods. China will continue to bring the world new opportunities through its new development.” China will bring the world new opportunities through its new development; this was the solemn commitment to the world from … [Read more...]
EDB: China’s FDI stock in Central Asia has increased over ten years to US $35.9 billion
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released its second report under the flagship Monitoring of Mutual Investments project. The paper focuses on China, the Eurasian region’s leading investment partner in 2025, and shows that Chinese investment in the region continues to grow steadily despite the global decline in FDI flows. Over the past ten years, this investment has … [Read more...]
Building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation
CGTN podcast In October 2013, at a conference on work related to neighboring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping first put forward China's fundamental policy guideline for diplomacy with neighboring countries — amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. “Amity” stands for close and friendly relations, “sincerity” for mutual trust and honesty, “mutual benefit” … [Read more...]
Turkmen Logistics Association to Support Member Participation in the 2026 Turkmen-Chinese Forum
Talvas Yoly Joint-Stock Company and its Oguz Forum & Expo division, in cooperation with the Turkmen Logistics Association (TLA), officially announce the commencement of preparations for the Turkmen-Chinese Business Forum and Exhibition, scheduled for April 28–30, 2026. As the official organizers, Talvas Yoly JSC and Oguz Forum & Expo will manage the comprehensive … [Read more...]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway: A Strategic Connectivity Project
nCa Short Report The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway is a pivotal infrastructure project designed to boost trade and economic ties across Central Asia, connecting China directly with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Initially proposed in the 1990s, it has gained significant traction as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to create alternative trade … [Read more...]
Can green development really bring us together?
About the author: Niu Honglin is a producer and host with CGTN. She is also one of the editors of Stories of Xi Jinping. This article comes from a podcast series I’ve been working on that looks at global governance through a simple but demanding idea: a shared future for humanity. Each episode focuses on one dimension of that question — security, development, cultural … [Read more...]
Building a community with a shared future for humanity
CGTN's Podcast: Stories of Xi Jinping Our world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. The international community has reached a new crossroads. Global growth is sluggish, the impact of the financial crisis lingers on, and the development gap is widening. Armed conflicts, terrorism, refugee crises, and climate change are becoming endemic. … [Read more...]
China’s Economic Roadmap for 2026: A Pivot Toward Deeper Ties with Central Asia
nCa Report As 2025 draws to a close, China's Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) has laid out a pragmatic blueprint for the year ahead, emphasizing stability amid domestic slowdowns and global uncertainties (source). The meeting, held in Beijing from December 10 to 11, reaffirmed commitments to boosting domestic demand, stabilizing the property sector, and leaning on … [Read more...]
Ashgabat will host the Turkmen-Chinese Trade and Economic Forum in April 2026
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Chinese Industrial Overseas Development Association (CODA), with the assistance of Talwas Yoly Closed Joint Stock Company and the Oguz Forum&Expo division, will hold a Turkmen-Chinese Trade and Economic Forum entitled "New Opportunities for Trade and Economic Cooperation", which will be held on 28-30 April 2026 in … [Read more...]
How will “a shared future” save the world from fragmentation?
Niu Honglin, producer and host with CGTN When I was working on this new podcast, one question kept showing up in my notes: Why does the idea of a “shared future” receive increasing global recognition now? Not ten years ago. Not twenty. But now. The world isn’t short on challenges. Economic recovery feels fragile. Conflicts flare up with unsettling frequency. Climate … [Read more...]
President Xi sends congratulatory letter to forum dedicated to International Year of Peace and Trust in Turkmenistan
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Friday to a forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust held in Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. The year 2025 marks the International Year of Peace and Trust, which was proposed by Turkmenistan and endorsed by the UN General Assembly, while today also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's … [Read more...]
Authentic Outcomes of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat – Part Three
The Conversation Heard Around the World: What Ashgabat Promises Generation Beta Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As the final echoes of speeches faded in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, what lingered was not merely diplomatic courtesy but something far more significant: the dawning recognition that active, dynamic neutrality is not a relic of 20th-century idealism but a … [Read more...]
Authentic Outcomes of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat – Part Two
Turkmenistan's Neutrality as a Catalyst for Regional and Global Integration Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The Neutrality Advantage: A Unique Convening Power Turkmenistan's 30-year commitment to permanent neutrality, internationally recognized by the UN in 1995, 2015, and 2025, has created a distinctive diplomatic asset: the ability to bring together nations that … [Read more...]
Russia and China Deepen Financial Alliance With Moscow’s Landmark Yuan Bond Issue
Russia has taken a major step toward fuller integration with China’s financial system by issuing its first sovereign bonds denominated in Chinese renminbi, raising nearly $3 billion in a transaction that both sides hailed as a milestone in their rapidly expanding economic partnership. The information comes from the Financial Times and the Russian media. The Russian Finance … [Read more...]
European Union Says It Seeks No Expansion in Central Asia
The European Union’s special representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, rejected suggestions that Brussels is pursuing political or economic expansion in the region, emphasizing that the bloc’s growing engagement is driven solely by mutual benefit and a desire for stability. “We are not immediate neighbors, so it is very difficult to accuse us of any attempts at … [Read more...]
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan Opens New Opportunities for Strengthening Strategic Partnership with Turkmenistan
Elvira Kadyrova On 26 November 2025, a media briefing was held at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Ji Shumin, China’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, presented the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the key provisions of the newly approved 15th … [Read more...]
China and Turkmenistan intend to deepen transport cooperation
On 7 November, Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin paid a visit to the Minister of Motor Transport of Turkmenistan Begench Annadurdyev, the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan reports. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on further deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the transport sector. The meeting was also attended by Counselor-Envoy of … [Read more...]
China’s leading engineering corporations’ delegation holds series of meetings in Turkmenistan
From 17 to 22 October 2025, Wang Bo, Chairman of the Board of China CAMCE Corporation (China CAMC Engineering Ltd.) and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), visited Turkmenistan on a working trip. The visit included a series of high-level business meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and industry. This was reported by the … [Read more...]
Central Asia Gears Up for Historic C5+1 Summit with Trump: A Mix of Optimism and Caution
Tariq Saeedi As the world watches the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy, the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 2025, is generating significant buzz across Central Asia and beyond. This gathering, marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format that brings together the United States and the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
US-China Summit in Busan: Comprehensive Report
nCa Report Overview On October 30, 2025, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for approximately one hour and forty minutes at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, marking their first face-to-face meeting in six years. The summit took place at the conclusion of Trump's three-country Asia tour, which also included stops in Malaysia and … [Read more...]
Two decades of green progress in the Asia-Pacific
Chen Ziqi, Reporter at CGTN APEC drives sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific. [Photo: VCG] For the past two decades, APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, has been reshaping the Asia-Pacific’s approach to growth. Since the 2011 Honolulu Leaders’ Declaration, APEC has placed “green growth” at the heart of its agenda, showing progress and environmental … [Read more...]
New China-Central Asia Transport Corridor Launches Trial Operations
Seven trucks carrying containers departed from the Kashi International Hub Port in northwestern China's Xinjiang region on October 15, marking the launch of a trial international transport service connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, according to Chinese state media reports. The multimodal transport corridor represents a significant development in … [Read more...]
OGT 2025: Gas imports from Turkmenistan to China face competition from potential new supplies, says S&P Global Commodity Insights
The future of Turkmenistan's crucial gas exports to China faces a complex intersection of growing Chinese demand and increasing global supply competition, according to Tianshi Huang, Senior Principal Analyst for China Gas Research at S&P Global Insights. Numerous factors can influence the potential growth of Turkmenistan's gas exports to China, including upstream supply … [Read more...]
OGT 2025: CNPC and Turkmenistan Deepen Strategic Cooperation – 450 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas Supplied to China
The total volume of natural gas trade between Turkmenistan and China has reached 450 billion cubic meters, giving a powerful impetus to the economic and social development of both countries, announced Chen Huailong, President of CNPC Central Asia and Russia, at the 30th International Conference and Exhibition “Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan-2025” (OGT 2025). Chen Huailong … [Read more...]
Central Asia and China Open New Logistics Routes: Trial Launch of Multimodal Corridor to Turkmenistan
On Wednesday, 15 October, the trial operation of the international multimodal transport corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan officially launched, according to Xinhua. The corridor features two multimodal routes, with goods transported by rail from Xi’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province, Southwest China) to Kashgar … [Read more...]
China-Europe Freight Train Marks 50,000th Trip from Horgos Port
A China-Europe freight train loaded with electronic products, mechanical and electrical equipment, and daily necessities departed from the Horgos Railway Port in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Małaszewicze, Poland, on Saturday, marking the 50,000th train to pass through the port since operations began in March 2016, according to the Global Times. The … [Read more...]
Why is the one-China principle unquestionable?
Ji Shumin, Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against the Japanese Invaders and the Liberation of Taiwan, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the creation of the United Nations. The return of Taiwan to China is the result of victory … [Read more...]
China’s Position Paper on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758
On October 25, 1971, at the 26th session of the U.N. General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted with an overwhelming majority, which “decides to restore all its rights to the People’s Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and to expel forthwith the representatives of … [Read more...]
Advancing Gender Equality: China’s Comprehensive Achievements in Women’s Development in the New Era
The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China has issued a detailed paper titled “China’s Achievements in Women’s Well-Rounded Development in the New Era.” Here is the summary of the paper: China has made significant achievements in promoting women's well-rounded development in the new era. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has consistently … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
China urges Group of Friends of Neutrality members to reform and improve global governance
Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, on Wednesday called on member states of the Group of Friends of Neutrality to work together to revitalize multilateralism and reform and improve global governance. Zhao, who is chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks in a video address delivered to the second meeting of parliamentary leaders of the … [Read more...]
China: The Driving Force of the peace, stability and progress
Ji Shumin, Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan This year, the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, but this anniversary year has proven to be far from calm: various doubts and negative assessments are being voiced regarding the role and importance of the UN. At the same time, it should be noted that the forces … [Read more...]
Silk Road cinema connecting cultures and forging cooperation across borders
Chen Ziqi, reporter from CGTN The 12th Silk Road International Film Festival opens in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, September 22, 2025. /CGTN In 2025, the Belt and Road Initiative celebrate 12 years of global cooperation between more than 150 countries. Beyond trade and infrastructure, its heartbeat lies in bringing people closer together. Film, as a universal … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Celebrates the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China
On 25 September 2025, in Ashgabat, the Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, hosted a ceremonial reception to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The chief guest from the Turkmenistan government was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov. The event was attended by heads and … [Read more...]
Record Growth in Freight Transport: China and Central Asia Strengthen Logistics Ties
In the first eight months of 2025, freight trains between China and Central Asia made 9,626 cross-border trips—an increase of 22.7% compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for this timeframe. During this period, 751,000 standard containers (TEU) were transported, marking a year-on-year growth of 31.1%, according to China Media Group. As of 31 August 2025, … [Read more...]
Talks at China’s National Energy Administration: China and Turkmenistan Strengthen Energy Cooperation
On 2 September 2025, a meeting took place in Beijing between Wang Hongzhi, head of China's National Energy Administration (NEA), and Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister for oil and gas sector Batyr Amanov. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Turkmenistan President's visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and celebrations … [Read more...]