China is launching an expansive information campaign in Uzbekistan following a high-profile diplomatic push by the United States to expand trade ties in Central Asia.
The recent public relations blitz by Beijing’s state broadcaster represents a notable escalation in efforts to strengthen ties with the region’s most populous nation. The diplomatic maneuver highlights a growing competition for influence between Washington and Beijing across Central Asian markets.
The media push included roughly 70 articles and videos published in the Uzbek and Russian languages, covering political, economic, cultural, and social ties between the two countries.
The content featured comments from Chinese and Uzbek officials, entrepreneurs, scholars, and artists. The broadcasts promoted China as a destination for business, employment, education, travel, and personal relationships. In previous months, CGTN typically published only a few items per month concerning the Central Asian state, marking a sharp increase in output.
Beijing also targeted Uzbek leadership by featuring the launch ceremony of a Chinese edition of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s book on the country’s development.
The diplomatic activity follows an October visit to Samarkand by US Secretary Marco Rubio and a delegation of American business executives. Rubio met with foreign ministers from all five Central Asian states to advance a US-supported trans-Caspian trade network. An accompanying trade fair generated over 50 deals between American companies and Uzbek entities, valued at up to $12 billion.
That meeting generated widespread enthusiasm among Uzbek leadership for strengthening bilateral relations. A day prior to Rubio’s arrival, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Tashkent for discussions with Mirziyoyev to emphasize bilateral ties.
