Uzbekistan and the SCO: Mirziyoyev’s article published ahead of his China visit

As you know, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will undertake an official state visit to the People's Republic of China from August 30 to September 3 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The Uzbek leader will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting and a “SCO Plus” format summit. On the eve of his trip to China, China Daily published an article by President Mirziyoyev titled “Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the SCO: On the path to global peace and prosperity”.

“Uzbekistan, together with several other nations, has been at the forefront of forming and strengthening the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, whose influence and relevance continue to grow. The organization’s activities positively impact not only the development of its member states but also the peace and prosperity of every individual in these regions.

Before discussing cooperation within the SCO, I want to reflect on our strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China, a nation profoundly close to our spirit and culture, a source of life-affirming energy.

In recent years, Uzbek–Chinese relations have developed steadily across key areas: political dialogue, security, trade and economic cooperation, and cultural-humanitarian exchanges. Strengthening these will bolster stability and sustained growth in Central Asia and across the SCO.

Regular high-level exchanges between our leaders have also become a key driver of deepened bilateral ties. During our January 2024 state visit to China, President Xi Jinping and I elevated our relations to an unprecedented level, a full, all-encompassing strategic partnership, defining the most important directions for international cooperation.

This unprecedented progress in bilateral ties stems from my esteemed friend President Xi Jinping’s personal attention and tireless efforts to reinforce the broad-based Uzbek–Chinese partnership. Mechanisms such as intergovernmental committees, inter-parliamentary groups, and strategic foreign ministerial dialogues are ensuring the fulfillment of our agreements.

Mutual understanding and consideration of fundamental interests are helping us build mutual political trust and a strategic alliance. Uzbekistan wholeheartedly supports the One-China principle. We deeply appreciate China’s support for Uzbekistan’s efforts to deepen regional cooperation under the “Central Asian Partnership Spirit.”

Our countries are also working actively together to counter the "three evils"—terrorism, separatism, and extremism—within the SCO framework.

Trade turnover has tripled since 2017, reaching $14 billion, with targets set to grow it to $20 billion shortly. During this period, $24.6 billion in Chinese investments flowed into Uzbekistan.

In 2024, Uzbekistan witnessed the inauguration of the region’s first BYD electric vehicle plant, and in Tashkent, it opened the knowledge-based “Luban Workshop,” where Uzbek students acquire modern skills in logistics management and IT, marking a new era of industrial cooperation with China.

In Uzbekistan, Confucius Institutes in Tashkent and Samarkand significantly contribute to fostering a new generation knowledgeable in the Chinese language and culture.

This year, the visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and China was launched, a tremendous step toward deepening humanitarian cooperation. It opens doors for enhanced interpersonal, business, and tourism exchange.

Certainly, in today's modern stage, Uzbek–Chinese cooperation is becoming a pragmatic, mutually beneficial model—one that ensures regional stability and solidifies SCO’s role as a platform of multilateral cooperation.

In the present complex global situation, fortifying and expanding stable relations between our countries is increasingly critical. The global system is undergoing massive shifts, and action grounded in universally recognized legal norms is vital.

Major transformations in international relations are accompanied by intensified geopolitical rivalry, rising threat levels, and weakening collective governance. The global security architecture, already shaken by crises of confidence, faces unprecedented peril.
Pressure is growing not only on systems that maintain balance but also on security, efforts to eliminate poverty, and climate change, areas under severe strain globally.

In Central Asia, the impact of climate change and instability in food and energy systems is emerging as a powerful threat.

For all countries, artificial intelligence is another universal threat. It cannot be halted, but our duty is to ensure it's not weaponized or becomes a global risk.

Under these conditions, the SCO is increasingly proving to be an attractive model of international cooperation, one based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect for sovereignty.
Since its inception, the SCO has embodied the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, respect for diverse civilizations, and collective progress. It has entirely abandoned the outdated “Cold War” paradigm.

The SCO actively promotes principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting third parties. It advocates full equality among nations, constructive consultation, mutual respect, and peaceful development. This is the essence of its appeal and strength.

Today, the SCO "big family" encompasses 10 member states, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners, spanning vast regions of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its members cover over 60% of Eurasia’s territory and approximately 42% of the world’s population. Together, they account for nearly 25% of global GDP.

Several of these countries, including India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, are permanent UN Security Council members or form part of BRICS. This highlights SCO’s strategic relevance beyond its regional scope.

Thus, the modern SCO is not only defined by its geographical expanse, but also by the growing role of its members in shaping global multipolarity.

In its years of operation, the SCO has created over 60 international agreements and more than 40 working mechanisms, rooted in a strong institutional base—testament to its rising cooperation potential.

The SCO is dynamic, with limitless development potential. Its new mechanisms and strategic programs are increasingly enhancing economic, trade, transport, industrial, and technological cooperation, especially enabling coordinated transitions to “green” and digital economies.

Cultural diplomacy, education, tourism, and humanitarian exchange are becoming increasingly vital under the SCO. China, rich in cultural heritage, actively drives the Global Civilization initiative, narrowing cultural gaps between our peoples.

Since 2024–2025 is declared the Year of Sustainable Development, China’s chairmanship of the SCO adds momentum to economic growth and promotes green and digital transition in our countries.

China has consistently supported the role of Central Asia as the geopolitical core of the SCO. It fosters trust-based, equal, and mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral policies.

Sino-supported modernization strategies in regional states are critical. At the “Central Asia–China” summit in Xi’an, President Xi said: “A stable, progressive, and harmoniously developed Central Asia is greatly needed by the world.” At the second summit in Astana, he encouraged the emergence of a “China–Central Asia Spirit,” aligning fully with the Shanghai Spirit and reinforcing SCO cooperation.

Some readers may wonder: what is Uzbekistan’s interest in the SCO, and what benefits and tangible outcomes does it bring us?

First, through the SCO, Uzbekistan gains access to giant markets like China and India. Our top trading partners are China, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

Partner countries in the SCO are major collaborators in transport and logistics. Joint infrastructure projects under the SCO membership expand transit potential and economic investment.

Currently, over 7.5 thousand companies with SCO capital operate in Uzbekistan, more than half of all foreign enterprises in the country.

Thus, the SCO is not just a foreign policy arena but also an instrument to achieve national interests. Our participation is not accidental but a strategic choice for growth, security, and development.

Hence, Uzbekistan views the SCO as a multifaceted and effective platform for economic integration, transport infrastructure, green initiatives, digital transformation, and humanitarian and social cooperation.

Security remains a top SCO priority. Uzbekistan actively pushes for expanded collaboration via security council secretary meetings, coordinating law enforcement, preventing youth radicalization, countering cyber threats, and stemming drug trafficking.

Focus is also placed on modern technology, information exchange, and joint training of security specialists.

We seek to unlock the SCO’s full potential in trade and investment, simplifying trade restrictions, unifying customs procedures, and encouraging business figures to participate in the SCO “One Belt, One Road” projects.

Uzbekistan works to support SMEs, innovative industries, green and digital technologies through e-commerce and smart logistics, critical steps toward sustainable growth.

We support establishing a multilateral financing mechanism in the SCO to facilitate joint infrastructure and tech projects, enhance access to funding, and increase investment flows to member regions.

Enhancing transport-logistics systems is vital cooperation; for SCO, it’s both a regional development and a competitive integration opportunity in Eurasia.

The “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” railway corridor will kick-start the China–Central Asia–West Asia economic corridor, drastically shortening freight routes and unlocking transit capacity across member countries.

Integrating SCO transport strategies with One Belt One Road accelerates logistics synergy, boosts Eurasian network connectivity, and turns SCO into a strategic transport hub.

Digitalization is becoming a key driver for economic growth and integration within the SCO. We must focus on creating a unified digital space, sharing best practices, and coordinating joint projects in cloud computing, AI, and big data.

Climate threats are demanding stronger SCO cooperation. Uzbekistan works on adaptation, decarbonization, clean technologies, smart agriculture, and efficient water use.

Efforts like transforming the dried Aral Sea bed into green public spaces are environmentally important and benefit the broader region.

In agriculture, joint innovative projects and infrastructure for food storage and delivery ensure regional food security, a central theme in the SCO cooperation.

We prioritize cultural-humanitarian cooperation, joint education programs, academic exchanges, cultural events, and sports that build mutual trust and respect.

Tourism cooperation is another important area; SCO countries face a shortage of affordable, quality regional tourism offerings. Uzbekistan actively works to connect leading tour operators and airlines within the SCO.

Uzbekistan and China currently operate 46 weekly passenger flights, which to be increased to 60 by year-end.

Uzbekistan continues pursuing sustainable development in the SCO through regional collaboration. Establishing a joint platform for coordinated efforts across poverty eradication, inclusive green growth, and sustainable development can give a significant impetus to member states.

With growing membership and expanding functions, SCO must streamline its institutional structure and mechanisms to remain effective. Uzbekistan advocates reforming coordination tools and developing long-term strategies.

In conclusion, Uzbekistan supports reinforcing active cooperation within the SCO by focusing on pragmatism, respect for national identities, and sustainable development. Our experience shows that even in uncertain times, effective cooperation and humanitarian exchange mechanisms can be built.

In implementing joint initiatives with China and others, Uzbekistan is contributing to making the SCO a magnetic center in Eurasia. Openness, innovation, and multistage cooperation reflect modern needs and create new opportunities for all members.

Uzbekistan’s strategic choice is not to be part of regional processes but to actively build a future based on mutual trust and interest, projects defining the trajectory of our shared region.

We eagerly await the upcoming SCO summit in beautiful Binhai, Tianjin. I am confident it will yield significant outcomes for all member states.

I also take this opportunity to sincerely wish peace, prosperity, and success to the friendly people of great China.