The trip was guided by the China-Central Asia Spirit of “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual assistance,” together with a shared commitment to modernization through high-quality development.

From August 3 to 11, 2026, an interdisciplinary group of Nanjing University students traveled through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan for a field research program. The delegation visited diplomatic missions, universities, companies and research institutes in Almaty, Bishkek and Tashkent to learn how China and Central Asian countries work together in governance, education, technology and industry.

Diplomacy and Academic Exchange

The delegation began its visit to Kazakhstan at the Chinese Consulate General in Almaty on August 4. Officials briefed the students on the development of China-Kazakhstan relations and bilateral cooperation in political and economic affairs, education, technology and emerging industries. Discussions on talent development, artificial intelligence and renewable energy gave the students a closer look at the role diplomatic missions play in advancing bilateral cooperation.                

On August 5, the delegation visited Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, where students toured the China-Kazakhstan Joint Laboratory for Remote Sensing Technology and Applications and the Al-Farabi Library. The visit offered a firsthand look at how universities support scientific research, academic exchange and the training of future professionals.

Later that day, the delegation visited the Almaty office of DeHeng Law Offices to learn how legal services help Chinese companies operate overseas. DeHeng lawyers discussed regulatory compliance, investment protection and dispute resolution, giving the students a practical introduction to the legal framework for cross-border business.

Technology and Industry

On August 7, the delegation visited Huawei Bishkek Technology Co., Ltd. Company representatives outlined Huawei’s operations in Kyrgyzstan, including telecommunications, digital services and renewable energy. They also discussed the company’s localization strategy and talent-development programs, including Huawei ICT Academy and Seeds for the Future, illustrating how technology companies can contribute to the region’s digital transformation.

The delegation also visited XCMG’s subsidiary in Kyrgyzstan to learn about the role of Chinese manufacturers in local infrastructure development. Company representatives shared their experience in adapting to the local market, providing equipment services and participating in projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The discussion showed how business cooperation can strengthen regional connectivity.

Academic and Cultural Exchange

On August 10, the delegation visited the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in Tashkent. Faculty members and students discussed academic programs, student exchanges and opportunities for future collaboration. UWED also presented its interdisciplinary approach, which combines international relations, world economy, international law and language education to prepare students for careers in international affairs.

On August 11, the delegation visited the Uzbekistan Research Institute of Sericulture (UzRIS). Researchers introduced the institute’s work in silkworm breeding, disease prevention and agricultural science before leading the students through its laboratories and mulberry plantations. The visit offered a close look at Uzbekistan’s sericulture expertise and its ongoing cooperation with Chinese institutions in agricultural research and technology.

Building Ties Through Field Research

The nine-day program brought together Nanjing University students from a range of disciplines and gave them a firsthand view of China-Central Asia cooperation across diplomacy, education, research and industry. As President Xi Jinping has said, “The foundation of relations between countries lies in the friendship between their peoples.” Through conversations with diplomats, scholars, researchers and business representatives, the students saw how sustained people-to-people exchange supports stronger regional ties.