The 9th Asian Winter Games will kick off in Harbin on February 7, 2025. According to the organizing committee, 1,275 athletes from 34 Asian countries and regions have registered to compete, making it the largest event in the event’s history.
The record-high participation partly reflects the growing appeal of winter sports across Asia and showcases the continent’s diversity and unity. Among those attending the event is the delegation from Kyrgyzstan, which is sending around 50 athletes to compete in biathlon, alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, and curling.
As this edition of the Asian Winter Games is set to open, the spotlight is not just on the athletes from across the continent, but also on the broader regional ties the event symbolizes. Indeed, in a world where the level of geopolitical uncertainties is high, some partnerships stand the test of time.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov will pay a state visit to China from February 4 to 7.
Over the past three decades or so, China and Kyrgyzstan have navigated global challenges while steadily strengthening their ties. Through frequent high-level exchanges and growing cooperation across multiple sectors, the two nations have built a bond that’s only grown stronger over the past three decades. At the heart of this partnership are Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, whose meetings over the years have deepened mutual trust.
Back in February 2022, Japarov visited China to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony and held talks with Xi. Later that year, in September, they met again at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand.
In 2023, Japarov made a state visit to China and attended the China-Central Asia Summit. It was during this visit that both nations decided to elevate their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
Their most recent bilateral meeting took place in July 2024 during the SCO Summit, with Japarov’s state visit to China now taking place from February 4 to 7.
Economic Ties
China has consistently been Kyrgyzstan’s top trading partner – primary import-based – and biggest investor. The two nations continue to strengthen cooperation in energy, transportation, and agriculture, driving regional economic integration. Chinese enterprises in construction, oil refining, cement, and mining have been investing in Kyrgyzstan over the years, and their investments yield tangible results.
Trade between China and Kyrgyzstan has been on an upward trajectory. From January to November 2024, bilateral trade reached $19.86 billion, an 11% increase year-on-year, showcasing a positive trend in economic cooperation.
A long-anticipated project, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway, has finally moved from vision to reality. Once completed, this railway will serve as a crucial trade corridor, enhancing regional connectivity and providing a major boost to Kyrgyzstan’s economic development.
Additionally, the partial opening of the Bedel Pass, increasing direct flights between Chinese and Kyrgyz cities, and improved cross-border transportation all contribute to smoother trade and travel between the two countries.
Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, such as road network upgrades, the new North-South Highway, and irrigation system improvements, are bringing real benefits to Kyrgyz citizens.
China also remains Kyrgyzstan’s top automobile supplier. According to Kyrgyzstan’s National Statistics Committee, from January to October 2024, the country imported 113,000 vehicles, a 12.5% decrease from the previous year. Among them, 55,000 came from China, making up 48.7% of total imports, followed by South Korea at 29.2%.
Another promising development is Kyrgyzstan’s adoption of new electric vehicles. With rapid urbanization in Bishkek, traffic congestion and pollution have become a growing challenge. Over the past year, Chinese-made electric buses have provided a green solution, helping ease congestion while supporting the city’s environmental goals.
At the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an in 2023, President Japarov signed an agreement to purchase 1,000 electric buses from Chinese manufacturers. All have now been delivered to Bishkek. The city’s transport authority has praised the eco-friendly buses, aligning with Bishkek’s vision for sustainable urban development.
Kyrgyzstan, located at a key junction of the Belt and Road Initiative, has developed into a major trade hub in Central Asia. Before 2019, Bishkek residents would visit local markets for shopping. Now, many prefer the convenience of online shopping via international platforms that China-based technology giants provide.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
Cultural and educational ties between China and Kyrgyzstan are also flourishing. The two countries regularly organize “Cultural Days” and other exchange programs. China has established four Confucius Institutes in Kyrgyzstan, hosting 21 Confucius classrooms. Additionally, 28 Chinese and Kyrgyz cities and provinces have formed sister-city relationships, further deepening people-to-people connections.
Interest in the Chinese language continues to grow in Kyrgyzstan, with initiatives like the Luban Workshop providing practical training for students. Mutual cultural centers and medical aid projects, such as the “Health Express” initiative, have strengthened goodwill between both nations.
Chinese restaurants are also welcomed in Bishkek, enriching local culinary culture, while Kyrgyz honey and dried fruits have gained popularity among Chinese consumers.
A Promising Future
The momentum behind China-Kyrgyzstan relations comes from a shared vision for progress.
With President Xi and President Japarov providing strong leadership, major Belt and Road projects serving as economic engines, and broad participation from various sectors, the foundations look strong, and the best chapters of this relationship are yet to be written.
