On June 19, one of China’s most authoritative publications, People’s Daily (人民日报), released a short video interview in which Dimash Qudaibergen spoke about the friendship between China and Central Asia:

“Many people know me through my performances. I was born in Kazakhstan into a musical family and grew up surrounded by songs. But I never imagined that one day, my voice would travel across snowy mountains and vast steppes to reach China.

Seeing the sparkles in the audience’s eyes, I realized that music truly can break down language barriers.
Over the years, I’ve tried to do meaningful things, building a bridge of friendship between Central Asia and China through music. By learning Chinese songs and performing on Chinese entertainment shows, I hope to share our passion with my Chinese friends.

One of my most unforgettable experiences was performing for President Xi Jinping. It made me truly understand that music is not just a form of art, it’s a bridge that connects hearts.

Some people call me a ‘cultural ambassador,’ but I’m just a guy born in the ’90s who loves to sing. If my songs can help our Chinese friends learn more about Kazakhstan and Central Asia, and bring the peoples of Central Asia and China closer together, that would be the happiest thing for me.

In my country, there’s a place called Xian Xinghai Street, named in honor of the friendship between musicians from Kazakhstan and China in both difficult and prosperous times.

The second China–Central Asia Summit marks a new starting point for exchanges and cooperation between our regions. I hope I can continue to connect the hearts of the peoples of Central Asia and China through my songs.”

On June 17, 2025, a grand concert showcasing the masters of Kazakh culture took place in Astana as part of the events surrounding the second “Central Asia – China” summit.

People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Dimash Qudaibergen, accompanied by the Presidential Orchestra of the State Security Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan, performed songs in both Kazakh and Chinese.

The popular Chinese song “Jasmine” is regarded as a cultural symbol of China, and its performance is entrusted only to the most highly respected artists.

Dimash has had the honor of performing this piece on numerous major stages in China, including the 2018 Spring Gala Festival, Sing New Era 2019, the 2020 show East, West, North, South, the CCTV Spring Festival “New Era of Music” 2020, the 2023 Spring Gala Festival, and the Silk Road International Film Festival 2023.

This time, from the stage of the Palace of Independence in Kazakhstan’s capital, the song was presented as a tribute of profound respect toward the neighboring culture and as a gift to guests who had traveled from afar.

The second piece performed by Dimash at the concert also carries international significance. At the end of last year, Dimash collaborated with renowned Chinese singer Gong Linna to create a fusion of the Kazakh folk song “Qaratorgai” and the Chinese song “Phoenix”, which is based on ancient texts. The piece was part of the project “Singing for the Central Axis of Beijing” by Chinese broadcaster BRTV.

At the concert, Dimash and Gong Linna performed an updated duet version of the beloved Kazakh folk song about a golden eagle, which the songwriter Akan Seri had raised from a chick, affectionately naming it Qaratorgai (Little Starling).