China and the five Central Asian countries have signed a landmark permanent friendship pact during the second summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the agreement as a "milestone" in relations among the six nations, saying it represented "an innovative endeavor in China's neighbourhood diplomacy – a contribution for our time that benefits generations to come." What does the pact mean to the region and China? How has the summit opened new paths for deeper China–Central Asia cooperation? And how does this partnership stand out in a world stricken with conflict?