In 2013, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Tajikistan officially established strategic partnership and made steady progress in all areas of cooperation.

The two countries enjoyed close high-level exchanges and further enhanced political trust. On 12 September, President Xi Jinping and President Emomali Rahmon held a bilateral meeting during the Bishkek Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The two leaders made important planning for establishing and developing China-Tajikistan strategic partnership. On 29 November, Premier Li Keqiang and Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda held a bilateral meeting during the 12th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO. On 29 April, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Guo Shengkun met with Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Abdurahim Kahorov during the eighth meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Council of SCO Member States. In July, Chairman of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security Saymumin Yatimov paid a visit to China and met with State Councilor Guo Shengkun.

From 19 to 20 May, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon paid a state visit to China. He had talks with President Xi Jinping and met with NPC Chairman Zhang Dejiang and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. The two presidents signed the Joint Declaration on Establishing the Strategic Partnership Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Tajikistan,realizing a strategic upgrading in bilateral ties.

Practical cooperation between the two countries developed fast. A series of key cooperation projects were agreed upon and implemented.The two sides signed an intergovernmental transit agreement for Line D ofthe China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline. The Chormazak Tunnel, undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, was completed and opened to traffic. The Dushanbe No.2 coal-fired power plant, undertaken by the TBEA Co., Ltd. of Xinjiang, China, was connected to the grid.

Cultural cooperation continued to expand. The "Chinese Culture Day"activities were successfully held in Tajikistan. Xiamen of Fujian Province became a sister city of Dushanbe.