President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan proposed launching joint projects in artificial intelligence and quantum computing at the second China–Central Asia Summit held in Astana on June 17, 2025. Speaking to the heads of state of all five Central Asian nations and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tokayev called for the establishment of research centers and technology parks under the Central Asia–China cooperation framework, according to a report by Astana Hub.
Tokayev referenced China’s progress in space exploration and quantum technologies during his remarks. He proposed using the Astana Hub platform to promote innovation under the multilateral framework and invited international partners to participate.
Following bilateral talks and the multilateral session, delegations from China and Kazakhstan signed 24 intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements covering energy, aerospace, digitalization, and other sectors. The summit’s joint Astana Declaration and accompanying cooperation frameworks designated 2025 and 2026 as the Years of High-Quality Development of China–Central Asia Cooperation.