China has unveiled five key proposals to strengthen its cooperation with Central Asian countries, aiming to foster mutual development and regional stability. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi presented the initiatives during a meeting with foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
The proposals include upholding good faith and fostering harmony; promoting mutually beneficial cooperation; advancing institutional development; adhering to fairness and justice; and maintaining long-lasting friendship. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the importance of these principles in enhancing ties between China and Central Asia.
Wang criticized unilateral actions by certain countries, highlighting that the United States has imposed arbitrary tariffs on more than 180 countries, infringing upon their legitimate rights and interests. He stated that China has taken necessary countermeasures to defend its own rights and to safeguard international rules and fairness.
“As the world’s second-largest economy and a responsible major country, China will unswervingly advance high-level opening up, seek common development with neighboring countries, share opportunities with the world, and fulfill its international obligations,” Wang said.
The foreign ministers from Central Asian countries expressed readiness to align their national development strategies with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. They agreed to jointly combat the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and to fight transnational crime to maintain regional peace and stability.
All sides agreed that China serves as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world and has shown leadership in supporting multilateralism. They expressed support for international trade rules and rejected unilateral protectionist practices.
The ministers reaffirmed their firm support for each other’s core interests, including sovereignty, independence, security, and territorial integrity, and opposed external forces interfering in internal affairs. They also expressed willingness to implement China’s Global Security Initiative.
Moving forward, the countries plan to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implement mutually beneficial projects in infrastructure construction, digital connectivity, and the green economy. Efforts will continue to enhance Central Asia’s role in ensuring international energy and food security, developing international transport and logistics routes, and securing the smooth supply of key goods.
