After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Central Asian countries emerged as independent actors in the international arena. Having gained their sovereignty, countries in the region established ties with neighboring states and developed partnerships. One of the countries, with which these ties were established and partnerships were developed, has been China. Over time, the countries in the region have strengthened their ties with Beijing and diversified their areas of cooperation. With a strong emerging economy, China has played an instrumental role in the development of the countries in the region. On the other hand, one of the prominent actors in this process of building relations with China has become Kyrgyzstan.
Although China has a variety of natural resources, it seeks to strengthen its relations with other states to ensure the sustainability of its economic development and growth. Thus, access to Kyrgyzstan’s resources constitutes a significant goal for China. Hence, alongside Moscow, Bishkek maintains strategic economic and commercial partnerships with Beijing.
Moreover, China’s investments in Kyrgyzstan are a crucial factor in enhancing bilateral relations.[1] These strong economic ties also open up new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in a variety of sectors. Trade, infrastructure and investment projects between the sides are equally important. In particular, the railway project sponsored by China in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, contributes greatly to the development of regional transportation infrastructure. At the same time, China’s contributions are crucial for regional cooperation.
On the other hand, the bilateral consultations between Beijing and Bishkek, which commenced in 1992, brought the overcoming of border issues to the agenda. As a result of the consultations between the sides, a partial agreement was reached on a border line of more than 1,000 km by 1996.[2] Subsequently, these border issues were resolved, through agreements formulated between the parties in 1999 to be ratified in 2002.
The agreement provided a clear solution as to where the border would be demarcated and allowed for the further development of relations between the sides.[3] Similarly, the signing of the border agreement is also of great importance in terms of laying the foundation for good neighbour relations between Kyrgyzstan and China.
As for the diplomatic sphere, the first diplomatic relationship between the two countries at the embassy level was established on January 5, 1992. Since then, China and Kyrgyzstan have embarked on a new period of relations as friendly and neighboring states. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has played a decisive role in the development of bilateral cooperation and the deepening of relations. Through the SCO, the security and economic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and China has expanded and reached various dimensions. [4]
On the other hand, it is reasonable to say that the relations between the two countries have gained momentum with high-level state visits. In this regard, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid an official visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2013. As a result of his visit, Beijing-Bishkek relations advanced to the level of “strategic partnership.”
Thereafter, in 2022, the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Kyrgyzstan was marked. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the two countries have made significant progress in friendly cooperation based on win-win principles under mutual respect and emphasized that the bilateral relations will further develop in the upcoming years.[5]
Accordingly, on July 30, 2022, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev. Yi stated that China-Kyrgyzstan relations have always been solid and that Kyrgyzstan stands out for China as an essential partner in the good neighbor diplomacy. He also emphasized that China has always supported measures taken by Kyrgyzstan to ensure its sovereignty, security and social stability and opposed any interference in Kyrgyzstan’s internal affairs. Following the meeting, China recognized the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative as a fundamental task. Furthermore, seizing the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity, Yi expressed Beijing’s willingness to continue working with Bishkek.[6]
The developing political and economic relations between Beijing and Bishkek are also significant for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Beyond Kyrgyzstan, Beijing also seeks to establish long-term partnerships with other countries in the region. In conclusion, the course of China-Kyrgyzstan relations is crucial for regional stability and development. Therefore, we can expect bilateral relations to continue to expand and deepen.
[1] “«Стратегическое партнерство» Кыргызстана и Китая в экономической сфере: перспективы и риски”, 7 Universum, https://7universum.com/ru/social/archive/item/5747, (Date of Accession: 22.02.2023)
[2] “Погранично-территориальные проблемы в китайско-центральноазиатских отношениях: решены окончательно и бесповоротно? Часть 2”, Centralny Avrazia, http://www.ceasia.ru/bezopastnost/129-2010-08-08.html, (Date of Accession:22.02.2023).
[3] “China and Kyrgyzstan: Bilateral Trade and Future Outlook”, China Briefing, https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-and-kyrgyzstan-bilateral-trade-and-future-outlook/, (Date of Accession:21.02.2023)
[4] “Kyrgyzstan-China ties at the Highest Level in history: Kyrgyz President”, CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514e3049544f77457a6333566d54/share_p.html, (Date of Accession:19.02.2023)
[5] “China, Kyrgyzstan are Good Neighbors, Partners, Friends: Foreign Ministry”, Global Times https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202209/1274837.shtml, (Date of Accession:19.02.2023)
[6] “Wang Yi Holds Talks with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev”, Hk, http://hk.ocmfa.gov.cn/eng/xjpzxzywshd/202207/t20220731_10730980.htm, (Date of Accession:20.02.2023)
