Summary of the International Conference on Country and Regional Studies of the Silk Road
The President of the International Center for Geopolitical Forecasting “East-West,” Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor, and Academician of the International Asian Academy of Sciences, Karlygash Zhandildinovna Nugmanova, participated in the International Conference on Country and Regional Studies of the Silk Road held in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, from October 21 to 24, 2024. The theme of the conference was “Regional Cooperation and Development along the Silk Road.”
Conference Overview
The conference, organized by the Institute for Silk Road Studies of Northwest University, was hosted in Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. It brought together renowned scholars, experts from think tanks across China, the Middle East, Central Asia, and other regions. The event served as a platform for intellectual exchange and academic collaboration between Chinese institutions and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) regions, fostering joint research efforts and interdisciplinary cooperation.
In-depth discussions focused on exploring new avenues for regional and country studies, establishing new frameworks for scientific exchange along the Silk Road, and structuring knowledge to enhance practical applications.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) and its Strategic Evolution
China continues to implement the BRI, expanding trade, transport, and logistics chains across Eurasia.
Beyond economic benefits, the BRI serves as a strategic tool for China’s global positioning.
Since 2023, the BRI has entered its second decade, evolving amid major geopolitical shifts.
These global transformations require new strategic solutions from China.
Soft Power and Cultural Cooperation in BRI Implementation
From the outset, the BRI aimed to strengthen people-to-people connections.
China actively employs soft power tools alongside financial and economic instruments.
Xi’an, as the historic starting point of the Great Silk Road, plays a key role in promoting humanitarian cooperation.
This includes increased academic, scientific, and cultural exchanges, collaboration among think tanks, and joint research initiatives.
China’s Academic Engagement with Central Asian Studies
China’s research institutions are deeply engaged in studying Central Asian countries.
Leading universities host specialized research centers on Kazakhstan (Northwest University), Turkmenistan (Xi’an Petroleum and Chemical University), and Uzbekistan (Shaanxi Normal University).
These studies adopt an interdisciplinary approach, covering history, politics, economics, culture, languages, and religion.
Knowledge Exchange and Regional Research Initiatives
The conference facilitated an exchange of ideas between Chinese and international scholars.
Unlike previous events, participants from Central Asia were not solely Sinologists, but also experts from various disciplines (history, domestic politics, digital security, and water resources).
Experts from Iran and Morocco also attended, highlighting the growing relevance of the BRI for these countries.
Conference Impact and Future Prospects
Over 100 representatives from China’s government bodies, research institutions, and universities participated, reflecting the high significance of the event.
The second half of the conference featured two parallel sessions:
One session involved international experts exchanging views with Chinese scholars.
The second session, attended exclusively by Chinese experts, focused on China-Russia trade, Japan’s policy in Central Asia, and Middle Eastern affairs.
Given China’s political system, it is expected that key insights from the conference will be compiled, analyzed, and forwarded as policy recommendations to relevant government agencies.
Conclusion
With the advancement of the BRI, China’s exchanges and cooperation with Silk Road countries continue to deepen. This conference provided a high-level platform for academic dialogue between Chinese think tanks, universities, and institutions from across the Silk Road region. It promoted regional collaboration, enhanced mutual understanding, and strengthened people-to-people diplomacy, reinforcing China’s long-term vision for global engagement.
