Kathmandu— Chinese President Xi Jinping will soon visit Kyrgyzstan and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, continuing a long-standing focus on fostering strong relationships with China’s neighbors. This emphasis stems from his vision of an ‘amicable, secure, and prosperous neighborhood,’ achieved through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and deepened economic cooperation. From infrastructure projects connecting landlocked Central Asian countries to bilateral agreements prioritizing clean energy and artificial intelligence, Xi has prioritized building a network of partnerships based on mutual benefit and shared development.

Infrastructure as a Cornerstone of Connectivity

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway exemplifies the practical application of Xi’s vision, facilitating trade between Kyrgyzstan and China by expediting the transport of goods like fresh produce. This project is part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, and construction is underway on a railway intended to further improve connectivity and benefit communities along its route. In 2025, trade in goods between China and Kyrgyzstan reached $27.2 billion, representing a 20 percent year-on-year increase.

A Long-Term Diplomatic Strategy

Xi’s commitment to neighborhood diplomacy dates back to the beginning of his presidency in 2013, when he articulated the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. He has consistently prioritized meetings with leaders from neighboring countries; all of his overseas trips in both 2025 and 2026 focused on these regional partners. This year alone, Xi has hosted leaders from over ten neighboring Asian nations, including Thailand, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, reiterating China’s commitment to good-neighborly relations and offering opportunities for growth.

Regional Cooperation Through Multilateral Platforms

Beyond bilateral efforts, Xi views regional cooperation as crucial for building a stable and prosperous neighborhood. He has consistently attended the SCO summits since 2013, promoting collaboration on security, development, and cultural exchange. The SCO, founded in 2001, now includes China and its neighboring countries, with a focus on good-neighborliness from the outset. Xi announced new cooperation platforms at last year’s summit focused on energy, green industry, and the digital economy, aiming to share opportunities created by China's development.

Formalizing Partnerships for a ‘Shared Future’

In 2023, Xi launched the China-Central Asia Summit, bringing together China with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This led to the signing of a treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation, solidifying these principles in legal form. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised China’s leadership under Xi Jinping, stating that the country has forged “an unprecedented model of cooperation based on good-neighborliness, friendship and mutual support.” China now has understandings with 17 neighboring countries to build communities with a shared future.

Expanding Connectivity Across Asia

China has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with 25 neighboring states, creating a network of “six corridors, six routes, and multiple countries and ports” that are bringing markets closer together. Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, noted that China’s modernization has enabled its neighbors to achieve technological advances through collaboration.

Xi's ongoing visit to Kyrgyzstan and participation in the SCO summit are expected to further solidify these partnerships and demonstrate China’s commitment to a shared future with its neighbors.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.