Full coverage: President Xi Visits 3 Nations, Attends SCO Summit

For years, China and Uzbekistan have enjoyed strong economic and diplomatic ties. China was among the first nations to establish diplomatic relations with the modern state of Uzbekistan. The two countries respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support each other's core interests.

Economic cooperation is stronger than ever. China  is Uzbekistan's second largest trade partner, as well as its biggest investor. Chinese companies buy most of Uzbekistan's largest cash crop -- cotton. 

The two sides share a number of important regional security concerns. Beijing works closely with Tashkent to fight terrorism, religious extremism, trans-national crimes, and drug trafficking. China and Uzbekistan also enjoy strong cultural ties -- and bilateral exchanges in education, sports and tourism are on the rise.