In this  May 18, 2023 photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shake hands during the latter's state visit to China, in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING – China and Uzbekistan on Wednesday upgraded their relationship to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

Upgrading of the ties came during talks between Chinese Chinese President Xi Jinping  and his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Beijing.