Xi Jinping highlighted the digital economy and AI as areas for cooperation with Kyrgyzstan

Chinese President Xi Jinping has identified the digital economy, clean energy and artificial intelligence as areas for expanded cooperation with Kyrgyzstan. He also called for the modernisation of border crossings to be accelerated and for the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway to be taken forward.

This is stated in his op-ed, published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website on 28 August. The article was released ahead of the Chinese leader’s state visit to Kyrgyzstan and his participation in the SCO summit.

“China stands ready to continue, to the best of its ability, to assist Kyrgyzstan in developing its economy and improving the well-being of its people,” wrote Xi Jinping.

In the transport sector, he proposed combining infrastructure construction with the harmonisation of rules and standards. According to him, this should create the conditions for the unimpeded movement of people and goods.

Among the projects already underway, the President of the PRC highlighted the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the commencement of provisional operations at the ‘Bedel’ border crossing, and the increase in the number of direct flights.

Xi Jinping paid particular attention to tourism, education and cultural ties. According to the figures he cited, in 2025 the number of reciprocal trips by citizens of the two countries exceeded 400,000. He also proposed encouraging students to study at each other’s universities.

The article outlines the priorities for further cooperation. Specific amounts of new funding and timelines for implementing the proposals are not specified.