In a speech at the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an City (Shaanxi Province, China), Xi Jinping emphasized that China is willing to coordinate development strategies with five Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and make joint efforts to promote the modernization of all six countries.
" The world needs a stable, prosperous, harmonious and well-connected Central Asia," President Xi said. He also said the six countries should oppose "external interference" in the internal affairs of countries in the region and maintain an uncompromising stance on terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an on May 19.
"China is willing to help Central Asian countries improve law enforcement, security and defense capacity building," Xi continued. According to the leader, China and Central Asian countries should enhance strategic mutual trust and always provide "clear and strong support" to each other on issues of core interests such as sovereignty , independence and long-term development.
Xi added that China will upgrade bilateral investment treaties with Central Asian countries and comprehensively increase the volume of cross-border cargo transportation with the region. Beijing will also encourage Chinese-funded enterprises in Central Asia to create more local jobs, build overseas warehouses in the region and launch special train services to promote cultural tourism with Central Asia, Xi said.
Is the economic polarization between Russia and China and the West becoming increasingly clear?
Two-way trade between China and Central Asia hit a record $70 billion last year, with Kazakhstan leading the way with $31 billion, as China seeks deeper economic links to achieve greater energy and food security.
The two-day summit in the city of Xi'an was described by Chinese state media as a victory for China's regional diplomacy, with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan earlier pledging support for Beijing and closer bilateral cooperation.
China-Central Asia Summit Takes Place Almost Simultaneously With G7 Summit
The solidarity of Central Asian neighbors for China is expected to contrast sharply with the attitude toward Beijing that leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) (including Japan, the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Italy) will show at the summit in Hiroshima, Japan from May 19-21, according to Reuters.
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