Here in Bishkek, officials, scholars and diplomats gathered on Monday to explore that very question during a promotion event for the fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. The discussion comes as Kyrgyzstan holds the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with the country's capital preparing to host the bloc's upcoming leaders' summit.

Against that backdrop, participants said the book offers an opportunity to deepen dialogue on governance and development. Whether through infrastructure connectivity, expanding trade or the exchange of ideas, many believe stronger regional cooperation is built on greater mutual understanding.