President Xi Jinping's policy speech delivered at Nazarbayev University in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on Saturday embodied China's vision on lifting ties with Central Asian countries to a new height. By outlining a blueprint for the future of China-Central Asia ties, Xi sent a message that China deems these relations a priority.

Among the multiple suggestions to rejuvenate the region, the proposal to build a Silk Road economic belt was eye-catching as it reflects ingenious thinking to integrate cultural ties with economic development in the region.

Commercial and cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road laid a solid foundation for the traditional friendship between China and Central Asia and Eurasia at large. With the modern Silk Road boasting a population of 3 billion and a market with unparalleled scale and potential, the initiative would have a far-reaching impact on promoting common prosperity in Eurasia, especially on the economic development of the inland countries.