TASHKENT, June 13. /Dunyo IA/. The second Central Asian Forum on Chinese Studies is taking place at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The forum is a continuation of the regional expert dialogue initiated in May 2025 in Almaty. The initiative is aimed at strengthening interaction between specialists on China from Central Asian countries, developing academic and expert cooperation, as well as formulating practical recommendations for public administration bodies, analytical centers and educational institutions.

Event is taking place against the background of the strengthening role of China in Eurasia and the further development of the “Central Asia – China” format. The participants are focusing on issues of political interaction, transport and economic connectivity, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation between China and the states of the region.

Particular attention at the forum is paid to the development of Chinese studies as an interdisciplinary field that combines political analysis, economic research, and cultural interaction. It is expected that the results of the discussions will contribute to the expansion of regional expert networks and the further institutionalization of cooperation in the field of Chinese studies.

Director of the “Belt and Road” Research and Education Center Adil Kaukenov, in an interview with a Dunyo IA correspondent, noted that for many years, Central Asian specialists on China, despite the rich history of studying China in the region, were oriented mainly toward external scientific platforms and met with each other primarily outside of Central Asia.

-  Today, the situation has changed. Significant scientific and expert potential has been accumulated in the region, thanks to which Central Asian Chinese studies are becoming more institutionalized. Specialists now have the opportunity to regularly exchange experience and formulate joint approaches to the study of China.

According to the expert, holding the forum in Tashkent is of particular importance for the development of Oriental studies in the region. He recalled that it was the capital of Uzbekistan during the Soviet period that became one of the centers for the formation of scientific schools of Oriental and Chinese studies in Central Asia.

Adil Kaukenov also noted the high interest of the participants in the event. According to him, the forum brought together leading specialists and researchers of the region, who are actively discussing topical issues both during the plenary sessions and on the sidelines of the event.

“For the entirety of Chinese studies and Oriental science in Central Asia, today is a truly significant event. We see great enthusiasm from our colleagues and a commitment to the further development of regional cooperation”, - the expert stated.