Economic relation between Uzbekistan and China from 2016 to 2024

This thesis explores the evolution of economic and political relations between Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China from 2016 to 2024. The study examines the historical background, the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the growing role of Chinese soft power in Central Asia. Special attention is given to China’s economic presence in Uzbekistan, including trade dynamics, investment projects, and strategic cooperation. The thesis analyzes the transformation of bilateral ties under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership and evaluates Uzbekistan’s approach to balancing its foreign policy priorities. The research applies historical, empirical, and document analysis methods to provide a comprehensive view of the partnership. Findings suggest that while co-operation has brought significant economic benefits, it also presents challenges such as dependency risks and geopolitical shifts. The study contributes to understanding China’s regional influence and offers insights for future policy and academic discussion.