Mirziyoyev reaffirms One China policy in talks with Chinese premier
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reaffirmed his country’s support for the One China policy and pledged continued cooperation with Beijing against terrorism, separatism and extremism during talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Tashkent on October 17.
The discussions covered security cooperation, Chinese investment and construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, according to CGTN and the Uzbek presidential press service.
Mirziyoyev reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to the One China principle, under which Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory. The self-governing island operates under its own government, while China claims sovereignty over it and opposes formal recognition of Taiwanese independence.
Uzbekistan previously confirmed in a 2024 joint statement that it would not establish official diplomatic relations or conduct official exchanges with Taiwan.
The president also expressed support for combating the so-called three forces of evil, a term used by China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to refer to terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The position is consistent with Uzbekistan’s previous commitments, including those reaffirmed during Mirziyoyev’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek on August 31.
China and Uzbekistan discuss $60bn investment portfolio
Economic cooperation was another focus of the meeting, with officials highlighting a portfolio of joint projects worth nearly $60bn and more than 6,000 joint ventures involving Chinese companies.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in renewable energy, nuclear power, mineral extraction, metallurgy, agriculture and infrastructure.
They also identified artificial intelligence, robotics, digital technologies and equipment manufacturing as areas for further collaboration.
Mirziyoyev welcomed additional Chinese investment, while Li expressed Beijing’s interest in improving conditions for Chinese businesses operating in Uzbekistan.
China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway remains a priority
The leaders also reviewed progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, a major infrastructure project intended to improve transport connections between China and Central Asia.
The railway will stretch approximately 532 kilometres, with construction costs estimated at $4.7bn. It is expected to become operational by 2030.
By September 2026, construction had begun on 27 of the 29 tunnels planned along the Kyrgyz section of the route. Work also includes bridges and railway infrastructure.
Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing construction, while both sides highlighted the railway’s potential to expand regional trade and improve access to international transport routes.
The meeting also addressed cultural and educational exchanges, including plans to open cultural centres in both countries and increase direct flights between Uzbek and Chinese cities.
