China Expands Its Central Asian Footprint Through Aviation, Energy, and Trade

China and Central Asia are moving quickly to broaden air links, with a November 3-5 Working Group session in Tashkent under the C51 format focusing on existing agreements and expansion plans. Kazakhstan agreed to raise permitted weekly flights from 150 to 180 and to add routes to Chengdu and Kashgar, while Uzbekistan proposed increasing weekly flights to China from 100 to 114.

Uzbekistan also put forward ideas to establish new routes linking Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and to expand weekly service among Tashkent, Almaty and Astana. Ahead of the conference, Air Astana and China Southern Airlines signed a strategic partnership agreement.

Kazakhstan highlighted growth in Kazakhstan-China flights, noting a 52 percent year-on-year increase. Astana said it is pursuing a 25-year civil aviation master plan with the International Civil Aviation Organization as part of its aim to become Central Asia’s aviation hub for Europe-China traffic.

Efforts to modernize infrastructure are underway across Kazakhstan, including airports in Almaty and Urzhar, a second runway in Shymkent, and the completion of new regional airports in Zaisan, Katonkaragay and Kendirli. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan also emphasized steps to keep pace with rising air traffic and strengthen aviation safety.

In related developments, Kazakhstan is advancing digital trade and financing initiatives, including a planned test of digital documentation for freight shipments between China and the Eurasian Economic Union. The Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line is expected to launch in 2027, expanding freight access to China and potentially increasing transit traffic.