China Moves to Cement Ties with Uzbekistan Amid Tussle with US for Central Asian Influence

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper cooperation with Uzbekistan in areas such as minerals and artificial intelligence as Beijing vies with Washington for influence in Central Asia.

Li told President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that Beijing was ready to strengthen strategic communication and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan.

He urged the two countries to step up cooperation in energy, minerals, finance and connectivity, and deepen collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence and aerospace.