Uzbekistan becomes a 'strategic partner'

China and Uzbekistan elevated ties to a strategic partnership on Wednesday with five agreements signed to boost cooperation.

China also strengthened relationships with the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on Wednesday, pushing forward cooperation in security, energy and infrastructure construction.

President Hu Jintao held talks with his counterparts from the three nations, who attended the 12th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Beijing Summit on Wednesday and Thursday.