MULTILATERAL FORMATS OF CULTURAL AND HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION BETWEEN CENTRAL ASIA AND CHINA (THE CASE OF THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE)

Abstract

For thousands of years, relations between the countries of Central Asia and China have been characterized by close cooperation based on global coexistence. Cultural and humanitarian interactions and trade relations developed between Central Asian countries and China. Central Asia and China, as part of the Asian continent, have deep cultural roots that enrich their multilateral cooperation. Over the past decade, one of the important areas of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China has become the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI). Such a multilateral history of interaction between the Central Asian countries and China goes back thousands of years, forming strong multilateral relations that are passed down from generation to generation. In recent decades, despite changes in the international situation, the five Central Asian States — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan — continue to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China, maintaining stable and positive development of interaction. The multilateral format of such a partnership serves as a solid foundation for China's relations with its neighbors and contributes to strengthening centuries-old friendship and mutual trust, combining efforts for sustainable development and stability in the region. The multilateral format of cultural interaction promotes dialogue and cooperation in the field of trade, investment, and infrastructure development. Regular events and initiatives in the cultural and humanitarian sphere between the countries have formed an effective platform that strengthens partnerships and mutual understanding, contributing to stability in the Central Asian region.

This article analyzes the multilateral format of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China within the framework of the BRI over the past 10 years. The article focuses on educational and language programs, as well as other forms of partnership between the 5 Central Asian countries and China, as well as interpersonal relations as an important element of this cooperation. The author draws attention to the political and legal basis of the multi-party format and believes that the introduction of multilateral legal norms and agreements will strengthen cultural cooperation, ensuring its sustainable and independent development.