On 26 December 2025, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (IREECAS, CASS), led by Deputy Director Jin Zhe.

The talks featured a constructive exchange of views on current issues of Uzbekistan–China cooperation. According to Jin Zhe, relations between the People’s Republic of China and Uzbekistan have now reached the level of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership, which provides a solid foundation for deepening political dialogue, expanding trade, economic and investment ties, and enhancing coordination at both regional and international levels.

The participants underlined the importance of strengthening partnerships between research institutions of the two countries. Particular attention was given to the prospects for further cooperation between ISRS and IREECAS within the framework of the Uzbekistan–China Expert Council, established in 2024.

The sides noted with satisfaction that the first meeting of the Expert Council on Climate Change and Green Economy Development was successfully held in Beijing in March 2025. As a result, a Roadmap and an action plan for relevant ministries and agencies were developed to boost environmental cooperation between the two countries.

Continuing the discussion, the parties agreed to hold the next meeting of the Expert Council in the second half of 2026 in Tashkent. Potential agenda items include aligning national development strategies, the introduction of smart technologies, industrial modernization, and the development of human capital.

In addition, the feasibility of continuing cooperation through joint events was highlighted. Chinese experts expressed keen interest in participating in next year’s sessions of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity and the Fergana Peace Forum.

The meeting participants also stressed the importance of conducting joint research on priority areas of bilateral cooperation – such as green development, digitalization, improving transport and logistics connectivity, and poverty reduction – as well as preparing analytical materials for publication in leading media outlets of Uzbekistan and China.

The Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies is a specialized research body of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, focusing on political, economic and socio-humanitarian developments in Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.