Fresh off the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the outcomes reveal vast opportunities for deeper cooperation between China and Central Asia. As the vibrant tapestry of China-Central Asia cooperation unfolds, it showcases the active involvement of young people from across the region. Recently, our journalists interviewed young individuals from Central Asian countries studying and working in China to hear their thoughts on the achievements of the second China-Central Asia Summit and their visions for a new chapter in China-Central Asia cooperation.

Daria, a youth from Kazakhstan: "We visit each other as often as family"

"I really like an ancient Chinese saying, 'If you walk alone, you go fast; if you walk together, you go far.' Kazakhstan has a similar proverb, which means that with more friends, the road becomes shorter. The relationship between China and Central Asian countries is just like this; we work side by side, help each other, support one another, and overcome difficulties together, ensuring a longer journey ahead."

Two years ago, Daria, a girl from Kazakhstan, stepped onto the campus of Beijing Language University with a thirst for knowledge, beginning her journey as an international student and becoming an undergraduate in the College of Applied Chinese. She mentioned that her choice to study in China was not only due to the high quality of education but also because of the increasingly close cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, which opened many opportunities for her.

Recently, the second China-Central Asia Summit was held in Daria's hometown of Kazakhstan. She is very much looking forward to further cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in education, environmental protection, and other fields. During her last visit to Kazakhstan, she noticed that a branch of Beijing Language University had been established in the capital, Astana, allowing more local students convenient access to learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture.

"In recent years, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Kazakhstan has been increasing. In some tourist cities, you can often see Chinese visitors," Daria described a noticeable change she observed upon returning home.

The frequent exchanges between China and Kazakhstan are due to several facilitation measures taken by both countries. Among them, the visa exemption agreement that came into effect in 2023 has played a significant role. As an international student, Daria deeply resonates with this: "In the past, visa procedures were quite complicated; now, they have been greatly simplified, leading to more exchanges between the people of both countries. We visit each other like relatives."

"After coming to China, I have not only gained knowledge but have also broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the friendly relations between Kazakhstan and China," Daria said. During her time studying and living in China, she has felt that the economic and trade cooperation between Kazakhstan and China is benefiting the lives of people in both countries. "With the steady advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, numerous infrastructure projects are being implemented in Kazakhstan. I have noticed that many of the clothes we wear and the electronic products we use come from China. When I arrived in Beijing, I could find honey and candies imported from Central Asia in the supermarket. This taste of home warms my heart, indicating that the cooperation between Central Asia and China has permeated every aspect of people's lives," Daria noted. 

"Kazakhstan and China have great potential for cooperation in tourism, green agriculture, and the digital economy. In the future, I hope to work in the fields of agricultural trade and cross-border e-commerce between Kazakhstan and China, contributing to our economic and trade cooperation," Daria said.

(Journalist: Wang Huiqiong)

Aziret, a youth from Kyrgyzstan: "Building a communication channel for China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation through language"

"'Along the Silk Road, languages may differ, but hearts understand the same intentions.' This is a saying that has been widely circulated in Kyrgyzstan over the past two years. I hope to leverage my knowledge of both Kyrgyz and Chinese languages to better connect the hearts of the people from China and Central Asia."

"Recently, one of the most discussed topics in Kyrgyzstan is the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Everyone is looking forward to this large infrastructure project strengthening the ties between Kyrgyzstan and China and establishing deeper cooperation in the economic and trade fields," said Aziret, a young man from Kyrgyzstan. He is particularly focused on the cooperation agreements reached in economic and trade sectors during the second China-Central Asia Summit because he hopes to use his language skills to provide translation services for cross-border trade between Kyrgyzstan and China.

Aziret's enthusiasm for China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation stems from a wonderful bond he developed with China during his childhood. "The first foreigner I met as a child was a Chinese person, and my grandmother often told me stories about China. Since then, I have been curious about what kind of country China is," Aziret shared. After graduating from high school, driven by his admiration for China, he embarked on a journey to study in China and is now an international student at the College of Applied Chinese at Beijing Language University.

Aziret recalled that when he first started learning Chinese, mastering the four tones of pinyin was his biggest challenge. However, the rich cultural exchange activities on campus opened many doors for him to learn Chinese and integrate into Chinese culture. "I found that the best way to learn Chinese is to chat more with Chinese people," he said. Each year, he dresses in traditional Kyrgyz clothing to participate in the World Culture Festival at Beijing Language University, communicating in Chinese with classmates from different countries and sharing special Kyrgyz gifts he has prepared.

Last summer, Aziret returned to Kyrgyzstan to work as a translator for a company from Nanjing. This short internship experience allowed him to personally see how language serves as a bridge for cooperation and enhances understanding.

"'On the Silk Road, there are many languages, but the intentions are the same.' I hope to leverage my knowledge of both Kyrgyz and Chinese languages to better connect the hearts of the people from China and Central Asia," Aziret said. In the future, he plans to engage in the economic and trade field, transforming what he learned in the classroom into practical contributions to China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation, facilitating the smoother entry of Kyrgyz green agricultural products into the Chinese market, and helping Chinese technology products benefit the upgrading of local industries.

Regarding the relationship between China and Central Asian countries, Aziret shared his simple yet profound understanding: "We are like children in a big family and should maintain friendly relationships, progressing and developing together. For Central Asia and the world, China is a particularly important partner. I believe that cooperation with China brings only benefits, not drawbacks. I look forward to Kyrgyzstan unlocking new areas of cooperation with China in the future, and I will continue to work hard to master Chinese, building a 'heart' communication channel for China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation."

(Journalist: Zhou Yixuan)

Bahromzoda Samira, a youth from Tajikistan: "Let the flowers of friendship bloom even more vibrantly"

"In Tajikistan, we have a saying: 'It is different flowers that make a garden beautiful.' I believe that China and Central Asian countries reflect this saying; each country is a beautiful flower, with unique colors and fragrances. Although we are different, we coexist harmoniously, making the world richer and more colorful."

"The second China-Central Asia Summit has become a hot topic in conversations lately," said Bahromzoda Samira, a second-year international affairs and international relations student at Beijing Second Foreign Languages Institute. This 22-year-old woman from Tajikistan, with a Chinese name that resonates with classical charm, speaks fluent Putonghua.

"I have been learning Chinese for over six years." Samira was born in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Encouraged by her father, she tried various new experiences from a young age, including learning musical instruments, painting, and different languages. Her brother was the first in the family to achieve success in learning Chinese. It was this persistence from her brother that inspired Samira and her siblings to learn Chinese, and they all became students at the Confucius Institute at Tajikistan National University.

"All four of us siblings are studying Chinese at the Confucius Institute, which was quite rare in our country before. However, now, more and more young people in Tajikistan are learning Chinese," Samira said. "At the Confucius Institute in Tajikistan, I not only learn the language but also engage with Chinese calligraphy, tea culture, and traditional musical instruments. This experience sowed the seeds of my desire to study in China."

Samira chose to major in international relations at university, saying, "I love traveling and hope to work in diplomacy in the future, contributing to the exchanges between Tajikistan and China and other countries."

Now, every time she returns home, Samira is pleasantly surprised to see "more Chinese elements." "Nearby my home, the Tajikistan Parliament building was constructed with aid from the Chinese government. When the building was completed last year, my family sent me a photo saying, 'Look, this is built by the China you are studying in!' Now, in the evenings, local residents love to take walks around the building," she said. Many roads and bridges built with Chinese aid can be found in Tajikistan, and most products in supermarkets and home appliances are also "made in China." "All these details are the fruits of the friendly cooperation between Tajikistan and China. I believe that after the second China-Central Asia Summit, cooperation between China and Central Asia will reach new heights, and we will see even more encouraging changes."

"We Tajiks have a saying: 'Different flowers make the garden more beautiful.' I believe that China and Central Asian countries reflect this saying; each country is a beautiful flower, with unique colors and fragrances. Although we are different, we coexist harmoniously, enriching the world," Samira is confident that through the efforts of the new generation, "the flowers of friendship will bloom even more vibrantly."

(Journalist: Xu Lingyuan)

 

 
Rahman, a youth from Turkmenistan: "Hope to be the glue that binds the friendship between Central Asia and China"

"The cooperation between Central Asia and China reflects the spirit of mutual support and shared destiny. We are becoming more united. In Turkmenistan, there is a saying: 'Solidarity is a nation's greatest wealth and its guiding principle.' We must work together for development; if I develop well, and you develop well, we will all develop better together."

"This may be the biggest and most unforgettable experience during our studies abroad." Rahman, who has now become a teacher at China University of Petroleum (Beijing), recalls the excitement of writing a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping two years ago.

In the spring of 2023, international students from Central Asian countries at China University of Petroleum (Beijing) wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping, detailing their experiences studying in China and expressing their determination to learn diligently and strengthen cooperation to contribute to building a China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

At that time, Rahman, who was pursuing his doctorate at the school, was one of the main authors of the letter. He arrived in China in 2010 through a selection process to study chemical engineering at China University of Petroleum (Beijing) and has since spent a long time studying, working, and living in China. "The main reason we wrote the letter was to express our gratitude to China and President Xi Jinping for providing us with this rare opportunity to study in China and to affirm our recognition of the friendly development between China and Central Asia."

"When we were informed that President Xi had replied to us, I was particularly excited. I remember being so excited that I couldn't sleep for three nights, constantly thinking about it," Rahman shared. "President Xi's reply was warm and friendly. He encouraged us to share the stories of China and Central Asia and to act as ambassadors of friendship and cooperation. This deeply moved me and made my future career choices more resolute."

After completing his doctorate, Rahman chose to stay at the university as a teacher. For the past two years, he has shared his personal experiences with young international students to help them quickly understand, familiarize themselves with, and adapt to life in China. "I am confident in being a good ambassador for the friendship between Central Asia and China."

Rahman is particularly attentive to the cooperation in education, technology, and ecology as part of the multiple cooperation plans established during the second China-Central Asia Summit. "There is a saying in China: 'Green mountains and clear water are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver.' Through the development of new energy vehicles, wind power, and solar energy, China has made significant achievements in green development, providing beneficial references for Central Asian countries." He hopes that in the future, China and Central Asian countries will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation, allowing more results to benefit the people of both regions.

At the second China-Central Asia Summit, the heads of state of six countries jointly signed a permanent treaty of neighborly friendship and cooperation, legally solidifying the principles of enduring friendship. "The cooperation between Central Asia and China reflects the spirit of mutual support and shared destiny. We are becoming more united. In Turkmenistan, there is a saying: 'Unity is the wealth of the nation and the primary principle of the people.' We must work together for development; if I develop well, and you develop well, we will all develop better together," Rahman said.

(Journalist:Peng Xunwen）

Tursunova Muslima, a youth from Uzbekistan: "Be a bridge builder between Uzbekistan and China"

"Chinese people often say, 'Unity is strength,' and Uzbekistan has a similar saying. I believe that the cooperation between China and Uzbekistan will yield more beautiful fruits in education, trade, and various fields."

"Recently, many news outlets in Uzbekistan have reported on the achievements of the second China-Central Asia Summit. I receive news updates on my phone app every day," said Tursunova Muslima, a 23-year-old woman from Uzbekistan, excitedly discussing the recently concluded summit. She is especially attentive to the establishment of the China-Central Asia Education Exchange and Cooperation Center, as her dream is to engage in work related to educational cooperation between China and Uzbekistan, helping more young people in Uzbekistan who aspire to study in China.

Muslima is a fourth-year student majoring in international affairs and international relations at Beijing Second Foreign Languages Institute. In 2020, after graduating from high school, she received a Chinese government scholarship, starting her journey to study in China.

"I started learning Chinese when I was nine. The school I attended in Tashkent was the only one in Uzbekistan at that time offering Chinese classes," Muslima said in fluent Putonghua. Her father is a businessman who owns several shops in a large mall in Tashkent, mainly selling various small goods imported from Yiwu, Zhejiang. "My father has been engaged in Sino-Uzbek import and export trade for many years but doesn't speak Chinese, so he hopes that I can learn Chinese and become his assistant when I grow up," Muslima explained.

With her father's support and encouragement, Muslima opened the door to the world of Chinese language, thus connecting her with China.

After coming to China to study, Muslima participated in various activities organized by her school, visiting cities like Xi'an and Weifang, and making many friends, deepening her understanding of China. "The level of modernization in China exceeded my expectations. For instance, shopping in China hardly requires cash; payments can be completed through apps like WeChat and Alipay, which is very convenient," Muslima said. The remarkable achievements of China have attracted more and more young people from Uzbekistan to learn Chinese and aspire to study and work in China.

In January last year, the "China-Uzbekistan Hundred Schools Cooperation Forum" was held at Beijing International Studies University, the former Beijing Second Foreign Languages Institute. Muslima, as a student volunteer, helped host representatives from universities in Uzbekistan. The vibrant atmosphere of dialogue and interaction between the higher education sectors of China and Uzbekistan, along with the pressing need for enhanced cooperation, deeply inspired Muslima and clarified her future goals: "After graduating from university, I plan to pursue a master's degree in translation, aiming to be a bridge for cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and China, contributing to the deepening of educational cooperation between the two countries. I believe my father will be proud of my decision."

"Chinese people often say, 'Unity is strength,' and Uzbekistan has a similar saying. I believe that cooperation between Uzbekistan and China will yield more beautiful fruits in education, trade, and various fields," Muslima concluded.

(Journalist:Yan Yu)