Turkmenistan

China's Belt and Road Initiative has rapidly expanded in Central Asia through new railway and road routes connecting to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. The development reflects growing trade momentum and Central Asia's rising role in continental logistics, with China becoming the region's largest trading partner.

A US strike reportedly damaged the Aq Taqeh Khan railway bridge in Iran's Golestan province, a key trade link for China and Russia. The route, which passes through Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, has been critical for China-Iran trade and Russia's cargo shipments to Iran since late 2025. Repairs to the bridge are expected to be completed quickly.

China has launched a new cross-border freight rail service connecting western China with Turkmenistan as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to strengthen economic ties with Central Asia. Freight routes to Europe avoiding Russia and the Middle East have seen an 80% increase this year, driven by companies seeking to bypass geopolitical risks, including disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure and the Iran crisis.

Pakistan’s exports to five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) fell by 8.62% year-on-year in the first 10 months of 2025-26, driven by the closure of the Afghanistan land route. Exports via Iran remain limited due to distance, while Uzbekistan’s transit trade agreement with Pakistan saw a 38.27% increase in exports, offsetting declines in other countries.

Petronas seeks access to a gas field in Turkmenistan, according to Bernama. The article also mentions the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and ongoing skyscraper development in the city despite concerns about property demand.

The article compares the proliferation of Donald Trump's image in Washington and beyond to authoritarian regimes, citing examples like Mussolini's Italy and North Korea's portrayal of Kim Jong-un. It criticizes the U.S. administration's push for a $250 bill featuring Trump and his signature on $100 bills, contrasting this with democratic norms of avoiding glorification of sitting leaders.

China has shifted its focus toward securing gas from Central Asia as Russia's Vladimir Putin failed to finalize the Power of Siberia 2 deal during his recent visit to Beijing. Turkmenistan's role in this energy strategy is highlighted as a key factor.

Turkmenistan has reportedly returned to widespread forced labor practices during its 2025 cotton harvest, reversing modest improvements made in 2023 and 2024. State employees are being mobilized into cotton fields as part of the harvest process, indicating a regression in labor practices.