Diplomatic, trade and cultural relations between ancient China and the states of Central Asia have been developing for several millennia. The Central Asian region served as a bridge in trade relations between the East and the West.

According to ancient Chinese written records, trade and diplomatic relations between Central Asia and China existed as early as the late third millennium BC. It is important to note that the Great Silk Road played a significant role in the development of cultural, humanitarian, trade and economic relations between China and Uzbekistan.

The aforementioned facts indicate the existence of deep historical roots and established links between China and Uzbekistan thanks to the Great Silk Road.

Uzbekistan and China are connected by the historical ties of the ancient Great Silk Road. The relations established through the Silk Road for one and a half thousand years, from the 5th century BC to the 10th century AD, made a significant contribution to the convergence and harmonization of the cultures, traditions, mentality and values of the peoples.

Today, relations between Uzbekistan and China are entering a new stage. Trade, economic, investment, educational, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, as well as relations in the fields of security, high technology and healthcare, have been elevated to the level of strategic partnership.

Special emphasis is currently being placed on strengthening relations between the two countries in the field of cultural interaction, particularly cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage, museum studies and the conduct of joint archaeological research.

Scientific cooperation in the field of archaeology was initiated in 2012 in cooperation with the Beijing Archaeological Institute of the People's Republic of China to study the archaeological site of Mingtepa in Uzbekistan (Andijan region, Markhamat district).

The expedition conducted research on the ruins of the city of Mingtepa, which was one of the main cities of ancient Fergana.

As a result of the archaeological work, new material was obtained on the stratigraphy, structure and fortification system of the ancient city, as well as on the crafts and arts of its ancient inhabitants.

In addition, scientific excavations were carried out at this archaeological site by the Uzbek-Chinese International Joint Comprehensive Expedition, formed on the basis of a bilateral agreement between the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Academy of Social Sciences of the People's Republic of China within the framework of the Programme for the Development of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People's Republic of China for 2014-2018.

Since 2014, the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Archaeological Research Centre "Great Silk Road and its Heritage" of Northwest University (Shaanxi Province, China) have been conducting research in the ancient fortresses of Uzbekistan (Samarkand, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions) under the project "Archaeological Research and Excavation of Monuments of Ancient Nomadic Culture in the Western Foothills of the Tien Shan. "

Further development and expansion of archaeological cooperation with China is envisaged. We look forward to even more fruitful research in the coming years.

It is particularly noteworthy that the dialogue between the two countries has developed rapidly in recent years. The friendly and trusting relationship between the leaders of Uzbekistan and China is evident.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to China on May 18-19 at the invitation of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping has marked a completely new stage of mutual cooperation.

In his speech, the Head of our State emphasized the importance of continuing regular humanitarian exchanges, exhibitions, concert and creative tours, joint sports events and the participation of young people in these activities.

Our President's visit to China testifies to the high level of development of bilateral relations and the commitment to further deepen the strategic partnership. The results achieved will open a new page in Uzbek-Chinese relations.

The "Colourful Asia: Asian Costumes Exhibition" opened at the China National Silk Museum on Uzbekistan's Independence Day ( September 2, 2023). 

The exhibition, held in Hangzhou on the occasion of the XIX Asian Games with the support of the Asia-Pacific Alliance of the International Council of Museums (ICOM ASPAS), showcased the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and other Asian countries. Thanks to the support of the Art and Culture Development Foundation and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the exhibition featured traditional Asian clothing from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Uzbekistan is a country that has mastered the best examples of the cultures of the peoples who used to live along the Great Silk Road and, as a result, has formed its own unique culture, so the main place in the section of the exhibition devoted to Central Asia was given to exhibits from our country. Uzbekistan has a three-thousand-year history of statehood and is a country that played a key role in trade on the Great Silk Road for almost two thousand years.

In addition, the "Thriving for a Collaborative World: "Belt and Road" Cooperation in Cultural Heritage and Archaeology" event and exhibition was held at the Palace Museum in Beijing from September 29, 2023 to January 5, 2024 to introduce Uzbekistan's rich culture and historical heritage to the general public in China.

The fact that the exhibition, which featured exhibits from the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan and the Institute of Art History of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was visited by more than 150,000 people over a period of three months shows the great interest of the Chinese people in the culture and art of Central Asia.

At the same time, exhibitions dedicated to China's cultural heritage are being organized in Uzbekistan.

In particular, the opening of the exhibition "Silk and the Silk Road, from Hangzhou to Samarkand" on November 24, 2023 in the city of Samarkand, dedicated to the cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan and China, became an important step in the study and popularization of the cultural heritage of both countries.

Thanks to such opportunities and initiatives, the cooperation between Uzbekistan and China, which has been ongoing for several thousand years, has entered a new stage of mutual development, scientific research and exploration of the rich cultural heritage.

The fact that the two countries share a millennia-old friendly and cultural history of ancient Eastern civilizations is an important basis for further active development of mutual humanitarian relations.

The territory of Uzbekistan, due to its geographical location, has been known to the world since ancient times as a crossroads of ancient trade routes. In turn, I would like to stress the importance of today's in-depth study of the issue of mutual cultural influence and exchange of rich historical heritage among the peoples who lived along the Great Silk Road.

As China and Uzbekistan are mutually beneficial partner countries, sharing a common destiny, joy and concern as nations with a balanced culture and ancient history, we support and call for the consistent continuation of scientific research on the contribution of Uzbek ancestors to Chinese civilization, as well as China's influence on the development of our country.

Bakhodir Abdikarimov Ganjiyevich
Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan