Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 26 July 2024. From July 14 to 20, 2024, at the invitation of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the head of the "China Program" Abbos Bobokhonov and a research fellow at the Center for Afghanistan and South Asian studies, Islomkhon Gafarov, visited the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with the scientific and cultural situation of the region.

During the trip, IAIS researchers visited key cultural and scientific sites, including the Urumqi City Planning Museum, Xinjiang University, and the Narat and Zhonghua Fushoushan Nature Parks. The Urumqi City Planning Museum provided an opportunity to study the history of Urumqi's development and its modern planning solutions, with a particular focus on sustainable architectural projects and infrastructure initiatives.

The visit included discussions with representatives from the Xinjiang branch of GAC, where IAIS employees learned about innovative approaches in the automotive industry, especially in the field of electric and autonomous vehicles. Meetings with regional authorities and scholars addressed issues of cultural exchange, educational programs, and joint research initiatives.

Meetings with regional departments and scientists touched upon issues of cultural exchange, educational programs and joint research initiatives. During the meeting with the Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Government of the XUAR, Xiao Yiwei, a discussion took place on the current state and prospects of Uzbek-Chinese relations, i.e. prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and XUAR, and also exchanged views on the possibilities of intensifying ties between business circles and improving cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Regarding the upcoming construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, Xiao Yiwei noted that the XUAR government pays significant attention to the implementation of this project and believes that it will become a modern bridge uniting our peoples. From an economic point of view, this project helps to accelerate the interweaving of the western regions of China with the Central Asian countries, and allow China to enter the markets of South Asia, the Middle East and further Europe. Thus, Xinjiang will become an important transport hub connecting China with other states and regions, which will allow the region to reach a new level of development, especially increasing its importance in China’s foreign policy. As he noted, the construction of the railway CCU is intended to accelerate the process of economic cooperation between Central Asia and the XUAR.

The visit to Xinjiang University included a discussion of opportunities for scientific and educational exchange between Uzbekistan and China, especially in areas such as history, Chinese language and literature. Thus, the vice-rector of Xinjiang University Gu Guanghai emphasized that today 38 thousand students study at the university and there are 31 research platforms. According to Gu Guanghai, the university is conducting in-depth research on the “One Belt, One Road” project, especially in the context of developing cooperation with Central Asian countries. At the end of the meeting, he expressed the willingness of Xinjiang University to share experience with Uzbek scientists and accept Uzbek students on a grant basis.

Tours of historical and cultural landmarks, such as the ancient city of Kashgar and the Urumqi International Bazaar, provided a unique opportunity to explore the trading traditions and cultural heritage of the region. In Kashgar, participants visited the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, founded in 1442, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the significance of historical monuments to China's cultural heritage.

Significant attention was given to issues of cultural exchange, educational programs, and joint research initiatives. Bobokhonov and Gafarov actively participated in discussions on infrastructure development and regional cooperation prospects, including initiatives related to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and Chinese-Afghan relations. Meetings with business and government representatives allowed for discussions on the prospects for cooperation in scientific research and technology development.

According to the attache of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Uzbekistan, Zhang Feilin, Uzbekistan and China are now actively negotiating to establish a visa-free regime. Recently, regular negotiations on a visa-free regime took place and the parties have achieved significant progress in this matter. These measures by the parties are primarily intended to speed up business between China and Uzbekistan.

The working trip proved to be productive and beneficial. The knowledge gained and contacts established will contribute to further research and professional initiatives of IAIS, strengthening international ties and implementing joint projects. The trip laid the foundation for future cooperation in various fields, which will help develop and deepen the partnership between Uzbekistan and China.