Category: Asia

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was held in Tianjin on July 15.

Meeting on July 15 with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Wang Yi noted that Kazakhstan successfully hosted the second China-Central Asia Summit last month, during which President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had in-depth and friendly strategic communication, writing a new chapter of good relations. China and Kazakhstan are good neighbours with a high degree of mutual trust, good friends with mutual assistance in trying times, and good partners for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has always placed Kazakhstan in an important position in its neighbourhood diplomacy and is willing to work with Kazakhstan to firmly support each other, consolidate political mutual trust, create more new highlights of cooperation, and open up new prospects for bilateral relations.

Noting that Kazakhstan is a founding member of the SCO, Wang Yi stated that China looks forward to making joint efforts with Kazakhstan and other member states to ensure the complete success of the Tianjin summit and make plans for the future development of the SCO.

Murat Nurtleu said that China is a friendly neighbour, close friend, and trustworthy partner of Kazakhstan. Under the guidance of the two heads of state, the Kazakhstan-China permanent comprehensive strategic partnership has been elevated to a new level and reached new heights.

On July 16, Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Wang said that as a comprehensive strategic partner, China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity, resisting power politics and bullying acts, defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations, and adhering to the principle of good-neighbourliness and friendship to continuously improve and develop relations with its neighbouring countries.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude for China’s valuable support to Iran and said that Iran is more steadfast than ever in its resolve to develop relations with China. The Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership enjoys tremendous potential and broad prospects. He reiterated that Iran has explicitly stated that it will not develop nuclear weapons but will not give up its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran is willing to engage in negotiations and consultations as soon as possible with all parties on the premise of equality and respect, to seek a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang Yi said that China consistently opposes the use or threat of force and advocates for resolving differences through dialogue and consultation. China values Iran’s commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and appreciates Iran’s efforts to strive for peace through diplomatic means.

Meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi said that China supports Pakistan in focusing on handling its own affairs, achieving independent and sustainable development, and continuously enhancing its comprehensive national strength, adding that China is willing to enhance strategic dialogue with Pakistan, jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to a high level, and deepen cooperation on agriculture, industry, and mining. He added that China also stands ready to jointly plan the celebration activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.

Continue reading Wang Yi meets Kazakh, Iranian, Pakistani, Uzbek and Tajik counterparts in Tianjin

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the China-ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 10-11.

The China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on July 10. Wang Yi said that China and ASEAN share similar visions for development, common demands, and converging interests. China regards ASEAN as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and a pioneer area for building a community with a shared future for humanity. The two sides should support each other and help each other succeed in advancing the modernisation process of Asia.

He briefed on the achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation and put forward four suggestions:

• To act as a model in defending international fairness and justice. The two sides should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

• To act as a model for safeguarding regional peace and stability. In the turbulent world today, peace and stability in the region are particularly precious and must be firmly protected. No geopolitical conflicts or bloc confrontations should be allowed to infiltrate the Asian home. China is willing to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region, not an arena for major power rivalry. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to expand cooperation in areas such as marine environmental protection, navigation safety, maritime law enforcement, and key marine infrastructure, and jointly foster a new narrative of cooperation, stability, and friendship in the South China Sea. The two sides should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and always keep the initiative on the South China Sea issue in the hands of regional countries.

• To set an example of conducting mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. China is ready to work with ASEAN to jointly build the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, promote high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and create a high-level free trade network. China will continue to take the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as the main platform to strengthen connectivity and cooperation in industrial and supply chains with ASEAN, and create highlights of cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and clean energy.

• To set an example for promoting inclusiveness and mutual learning. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to continue advocating for dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations, and jointly build an Asian family that promotes harmony, inclusiveness, and respect for differences.

Attending the ASEAN Plus China, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK) (ASEAN Plus Three – APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi noted that since the establishment of the APT cooperation mechanism, all parties have continuously strengthened their crisis response capabilities, advanced the process of regional economic integration, and fostered new drivers for development through joint efforts. Cooperation in various areas has yielded fruitful results, helping East Asia become the most dynamic region in the world.

The focus on development and commitment to cooperation is the general trend and mainstream, though challenges persist, including the impact of unilateralism and protectionism, and the abuse of tariffs by a certain major country. The more complex the situation, the more the APT cooperation should stay undisturbed, work in solidarity, and keep strengthening the momentum for cooperation, enhancing development resilience, and continuously advancing the process of regional integration to make the shared home a better place.

At the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi noted that security is closely connected with development. The rapid development of the Asia-Pacific benefited from a generally peaceful and stable regional environment, which should be cherished all the more.

Wang Yi stated that the world today has entered a period of turbulence and transformation. To ensure the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific and to enable the ARF to continue playing its due role, China proposes the following: uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; work to build a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture; actively build a model of security for Asia that features sharing weal and woe, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and prioritising dialogue and consultation; and blaze a new path toward security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win results over zero-sum game.

There is no such thing as “absolute security” in the world, and no one’s security is superior to that of others. Creating division and confrontation through a zero-sum mindset runs counter to the goal of maintaining security. It is essential to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold peaceful settlement of disputes, oppose the threat or use of force, and address both symptoms and root causes to eliminate the sources of conflict and war. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. It is important to draw wisdom from the Bandung Spirit, seek common ground while overcoming differences, and take seriously and accommodate the legitimate security concerns of all parties.

At the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi stressed the need for a return to dialogue. He said the original intention of the Summit is to carry out constructive dialogue and enhance strategic mutual trust. However, certain countries outside the region have deviated from this track in recent years, frequently using the Summit platform to hype up differences, attack other countries, and interfere in internal affairs. Wang Yi expressed the hope that all parties can respect each other, communicate in good faith, and focus on increasing understanding and cooperation.

China supports the ASEAN-centred regional cooperation architecture, firmly upholds the multilateral trading system, builds a high-level regional free trade network, and promotes regional integration. China opposes bringing Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation into the region and rejects attempts to create competing structures or exclusive “small circles”.

Wang Yi emphasised that the root cause of tensions in the Taiwan Strait lies in the increasingly rampant separatist activities of ”Taiwan independence” and the connivance and support by external forces. Some claim to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but if they truly care about peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, they must resolutely stop the “Taiwan independence” forces from expanding. Some say that the status quo of the Taiwan Strait should not be changed, but the fact that Taiwan and the mainland both belong to one and the same China is the fundamental status quo of the Taiwan Strait. He expressed the hope that all countries will continue to unequivocally uphold the one-China principle, oppose any form of “Taiwan independence”, and support China’s reunification.

Wang Yi also held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the above meetings.

On July 11, he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

Anwar Ibrahim asked Wang Yi to convey his cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping, stating that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of Malaysia. President Xi Jinping’s successful visit this year is a significant event in the history of Malaysia-China relations. President Xi Jinping’s care and thoughts about the future and destiny of the world have earned the heartfelt respect of the Malaysian government and people.

Wang Yi said that the tide of history always moves forward, and the rise of the Global South is unstoppable. As developing countries, emerging economies, and key representatives of the Global South, China and Malaysia should join hands to address challenges and seek development and revitalisation. The United States’ unilateral imposition of high tariffs is irresponsible and unpopular. China will always stand with the vast number of developing countries.

In a separate meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Wang Yi said that the two sides should work together to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, put into practice the Belt and Road cooperation plan, strengthen cooperation on economy, trade, investment and connectivity, advance key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks”, deepen cooperation in frontier areas, seize the opportunities of the new industrial revolution, and jointly build a regional highland for cooperation on new quality productive forces. The two sides should continue to successfully hold the “Confucian-Islamic Civilisational Dialogue” and ensure the implementation of the mutual visa exemption agreement that will soon come into effect to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the public foundation.

The United States has imposed high tariffs on ASEAN countries simply based on a single letter, which is a typical act of unilateralism and bullying that no country would recognise or support. China’s resolute countermeasures are not only to safeguard its own interests, but also to defend the common interests of all countries, including ASEAN member states. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Mohamad Hasan said that under the current circumstances, it is clear who is a true friend. In the face of tariffs and other issues, Malaysia will not just consider its own interests, nor will it sacrifice the interests of third parties, as that is not the ASEAN way.

Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi said that in May this year, President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, commemorating history together with the peace-loving people of all countries and opening up the future. Last month, the two heads of state had a phone call, jointly sending a strong voice of China and Russia on international and regional hotspot issues. China is ready to work with Russia to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, continuously elevate the level of China-Russia strategic coordination, safeguard the security and development interests of both countries, and support each other’s development and rejuvenation.

Sergei Lavrov, on behalf of Russia, extended congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The two countries should remain vigilant against attempts by a certain major power to sow division and provoke confrontation in the region. Russia will fully support China in assuming the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, jointly prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as BRICS.

Wang Yi thanked Russia for its congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying that this reflects the traditional friendship between the two sides. The CPC has more than 100 million members, making it the world’s largest political party and demonstrating an ever-growing vitality and vigor. As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, dedicated to the great long-term cause of the Chinese nation, the CPC at its centenary is right in its prime.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son, Wang Yi said that in April this year, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Viet Nam, during which the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries made strategic plans to deepen the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. At present, bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to expand, connectivity development is being advanced across the board, and people-to-people exchanges are delivering numerous highlights.

China welcomes Viet Nam to become a BRICS partner country and supports Viet Nam in joining the big family of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at an early date to jointly uphold true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. China always opposes economic and trade bullying as well as tariff coercion, and advocates for resolving economic, trade and tariff issues through equal-footed dialogue. China stands ready to work with Viet Nam to jointly uphold multilateral trade rules and systems and safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries through solidarity and self-reliance.

Meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, Wang Yi said that the China-Cambodia friendship has withstood the tests of international changes and remains rock-solid. In April this year, President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Cambodia, which was of milestone significance. The two leaders jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and both sides have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for humanity. Facing the volatile and turbulent international situation, China is ready to be a trustworthy friend and partner of Cambodia.

He stressed that the United States imposing high tariffs on Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries is an attempt to deprive all parties of their legitimate rights to development. He expressed confidence that Southeast Asian countries are capable of coping with the complex situation, upholding principled positions, and safeguarding their own interests as well as the common interests of all parties.

Prak Sokhonn said that China is Cambodia’s most reliable friend. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Cambodia this year was very successful, and both sides decided to build an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era. He expressed gratitude for China’s selfless assistance in Cambodia’s economic and social development and the willingness to follow through on the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, and to deepen pragmatic cooperation in trade, infrastructure and other fields. He thanked China for giving zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines from Cambodia, calling it an act of friendship and brotherhood and a great help to Cambodia, which stands in stark contrast to the 36 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Cambodia. Cambodia is willing to resolve differences with the United States through negotiations but will neither abandon its principles and interests nor sacrifice the interests of third parties.

Wang Yi listened to Prak Sokhonn’s briefing on the situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border. He said that although Cambodia and Thailand hold different positions, both sides are willing to manage the situation and ease tensions. Noting that Cambodia and Thailand are neighbours that cannot be moved away, Wang Yi expressed the belief that both sides will surely uphold the spirit of valuing the primacy of peace and forging friendships with neighbours to properly handle the issue. China will maintain an impartial, fair and just stance, respond to the needs of the parties concerned, and play a constructive role in this regard.

Meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Wang Yi called on the two sides to accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand Railway and give play to the demonstration effect of major projects to promote the implementation of the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand. He said that the abuse of tariffs by the United States undermines the free trade system and disrupts the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. He expressed the belief that Thailand and other ASEAN countries will safeguard their respective legitimate interests, resist unilateralism, power politics and bullying acts, deepen the building of a community with a shared future among Lancang-Mekong countries, and promote the sound development of East Asian cooperation.

Wang Yi emphasised that both Thailand and Cambodia are China’s good neighbours and good friends. Regarding the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, China hopes that both sides will act in goodwill towards each other and properly resolve the issue through friendly dialogue and consultation, so as to deescalate the situation and restore stability at an early date. China will uphold an objective and impartial stance and play a constructive role in promoting harmonious coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia.

Maris Sangiampongsa said that China is a reliable friend of Thailand. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have maintained mutual trust and respected each other’s core interests. Thailand and China continue to be as close as one family, and new results have been achieved constantly in the building of a Thailand-China community with a shared future.

Meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Wang Yi said that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a traditional friendship. In January this year, President Xi Jinping held fruitful talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which they reached important common understandings on deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and jointly building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, charting the course and providing guidance for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to promote the development of the strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.

The two sides should deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields. Both sides should jointly implement the two flagship projects for the comprehensive development of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, accelerate the negotiations on the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and create new growth drivers for cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy. China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. It does not target any third party and should not be disrupted by any third party.

Continue reading Wang Yi pursues regional cooperation and friendship in Kuala Lumpur

Ties between Chinese and Sri Lankan communists have taken a significant step forward with a visit to Beijing by a delegation led by Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP – People’s Liberation Front) of Sri Lanka. The JVP is Sri Lanka’s largest Marxist Party and the country’s ruling party since the presidential and parliamentary elections respectively held in September and November 2024.

On June 18, the delegation of senior JVP cadres led by Silva met with Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee’s Organisation Department.

Shi said China is willing to deepen the exchange of experience in party and state governance and build a community with a shared future. Silva said Sri Lanka stands ready to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, deepen the inter-party relations and further enhance friendship.

The previous day, the delegation met with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC).

Liu and Silva also presided over a political dialogue between the two Parties.

Liu said that China and Sri Lanka have a long-standing friendship, and the Rubber-Rice Pact stands as a true testament to the genuine amity between the two countries. [The Rubber-Rice Pact was concluded between the two countries on December 18, 1952, five years before their establishment of diplomatic relations. It provided much needed economic and food security support to Sri Lanka – then known as Ceylon – while breaking the US-led embargo on rubber exports to China. It was the People’s Republic’s first trade agreement with a non-socialist country.] Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 68 years ago, the two sides have always supported each other, pursued solidarity and cooperation, and are committed to building a stronger China-Sri Lanka relationship. In January this year, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake [who is also the leader of the JVP] who was visiting China, drawing a grand blueprint for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. In the face of an international situation marked by changes and chaos, regional countries should seek strength through unity and jointly respond to risks and challenges. China and Sri Lanka should strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, jointly defend international fairness and justice and the global economic and trade order and safeguard the common and long-term interests of both sides.

Liu added that, sharing similar beliefs and ideas, the CPC is willing to work with the JVP to advance exchanges at all levels, engage in institutionalised political dialogues, deepen concept exchanges, and engage in mutual learning in governance experience to strengthen the governing capacity of both Parties. China is willing to work with Sri Lanka through the “political party +” platform to expand practical cooperation in various fields, implement more livelihood projects, and ensure that the dividends of the growing relations between the two Parties and the two countries better benefit the two peoples. 

Silva said that Sri Lanka thanks China for always lending timely and valuable support in times of difficulty. Sri Lanka admires China’s major achievements in modernisation. It stands ready to give full play to its geographical advantages in the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as well as strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, finance and poverty reduction, to boost Sri Lanka’s economic and social development and the development of the region. The JVP is willing to continue to deepen and consolidate the traditional friendship with the CPC and play an active role in boosting China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the IDCPC website.

The Second China-Central Asia Summit, held on June 17 in the Kazakh capital Astana, saw China conclude a Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation with its five neighboring countries, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The 15-article treaty notes that: “In accordance with the universally recognized principles and rules of international law and on the basis of the five principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, all parties will comprehensively develop a long-term and stable strategic partnership.

“The parties reaffirmed their mutual refusal to use force or threat of force and to settle their disputes peacefully.”

It adds: “The Parties respect the principle of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and take measures to prohibit any activity within their national territory that violates that principle.

“The parties do not participate in any alliance or group directed against other parties and do not support any action hostile to other parties.”

They express willingness to cooperate on the basis of equality and mutual benefit in trade, economy, investment, infrastructure connectivity, engineering technology, energy (including hydropower and renewable energy), transportation, minerals, agriculture, ecological and environmental protection, processing industry, science and technology, and other areas of common interest. And: “In accordance with their national laws and their respective international obligations, the Parties will strengthen mutual trust in the fields of defense, defense industry and security, and expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation on other issues in this field.”

The Treaty will remain in force indefinitely.

China has signed similar treaties with Pakistan and the Russian Federation. (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains China’s sole formal ally.) However, this is the first time for China to sign such a treaty on a multilateral basis. This is a key reason why President Xi Jinping, in his speech at the summit, described the treaty as “a pioneering initiative in China’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors.”

Xi Jinping also held bilateral meetings with all his counterparts in the margins of the summit.

Meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi Jinping pointed out that China-Kazakhstan relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have remained strong and enjoyed robust growth. This is attributed to the geographical advantage of being connected by mountains and rivers and the time-honored friendship between the two peoples, but it is also an inevitable choice made by both countries to pursue common development.

Xi Jinping said that in the face of the international situation, intertwined with changes and chaos, China and Kazakhstan should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, practice true multilateralism, and unequivocally safeguard the common interests of developing countries. China highly commends Kazakhstan for the extensive preparations it has made for the second China-Central Asia Summit. Meanwhile, as the rotating president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China is ready to work with all member states to take the Tianjin Summit this year as an opportunity to make the SCO more substantive and stronger, and demonstrate new progress, new breakthroughs, and a new outlook.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that China is Kazakhstan’s friendly neighbor, close friend, and trustworthy partner. The permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China is entering a new golden era, contributing to the sustainable economic and social development of both countries and bringing benefits to the two peoples. It serves as a model for state-to-state relations.  Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, great achievements have been made in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. The Kazakh side is sincerely glad for these achievements and firmly believes that China will continue to make even greater development achievements. The two countries should jointly advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, industry, agriculture, energy, and transportation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges in culture, education, sports, tourism, and other fields. Kazakhstan highly appreciates and actively supports China’s commitment and efforts to uphold international fairness and justice, and is willing to continue close cooperation and mutual support with China within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the SCO, BRICS, the China-Central Asia mechanism, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, to make the international order more just and equitable.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the exchange of more than ten bilateral cooperation documents, covering areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, customs, tourism, and media.

The Astana Times further reported President Tokayev as saying that China never sets any political conditions in its cooperation with Kazakhstan. The President of China is always a highly respected guest in Kazakhstan, and his visit is a clear testament to the sincere and unwavering friendship between the two countries.

“If you carefully study our common history, you can see that relations between our countries have always been built on friendship and cooperation, without any conflicts or obstacles. They have always been distinguished by mutual understanding and goodwill. The Chinese people have never harmed the Kazakh people.”

Tokayev highlighted the symbolic nature of the Chinese President’s visit on his birthday and wished him good health, prosperity and new achievements in state activities.

Continue reading China signs landmark treaty with Central Asian countries

Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Indonesia from May 24 to 26 at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.  Following this, Li attended the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 28 at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, ASEAN’s rotating chair.

Announcing the visits at a May 22 Beijing press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that last year, the heads of state of China and Indonesia reached important consensus on building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future with regional and global influence, elevating bilateral relations to a new level. She said China hopes to carry forward the traditional friendship with Indonesia, deepen solidarity and cooperation, continuously consolidate cooperation in the “five pillars” of politics, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, maritime affairs and security, adding that it is hoped that the two countries, along their respective modernisation paths, will constantly enrich the connotation of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, and make greater contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

On May 25, the Xinhua News Agency reported that during Premier Li’s visit, the two countries highlighted the contemporary value of the Bandung Spirit and pledged for closer bilateral cooperation as well as better strategic coordination. “China stands ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to jointly uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit,” Li said in talks with President Prabowo Subianto.

Xinhua noted: “In April 1955, a landmark conference in Indonesia’s city of Bandung gathered 29 Asian and African nations under the flag of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, marking the awakening of the part of the world known now as the Global South.”

Li added that today unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, and acts of bullying are increasing, stressing that against this backdrop, the contemporary value of the Bandung Spirit has become more prominent.

He said that China stands ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to jointly uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, and implement the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.

He called for steadfastly upholding multilateralism and free trade, promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, resolutely safeguarding common interests, and jointly advancing peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.

Noting that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, President Prabowo said that Indonesia will take this opportunity to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and jointly promote peace and development in Asia and the world.

He said Indonesia is ready to expand cooperation with China in agriculture, finance, infrastructure, green economy, AI and education, and upgrade industrial collaboration. Prabowo also expressed the hope that more Chinese enterprises will invest and do business in Indonesia.

Continue reading China and Indonesia invoke the Bandung Spirit

Pakistan Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi both visited China recently.

On May 20, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Dar, who also serves as his country’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Wang Yi said that as ironclad friends, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, resolutely combating terrorism, and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Both sides should work together to create an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promote cooperation in industry, agriculture, energy and minerals, human resource development, counter-terrorism and security, and other fields.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan admires China’s new development achievements, especially in innovation and scientific and technological progress, and looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation with China. He expressed the hope for continuous and strong support from China in overcoming current difficulties and promoting national development, security and stability.

Dar also briefed on the latest situation following the ceasefire reached between Pakistan and India, as well as Pakistan’s considerations in that regard. He thanked China for upholding justice and making unremitting efforts and significant contributions to promoting a ceasefire for peace, saying that Pakistan will resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to maintain dialogue with India to ease the situation.

Wang Yi stated that China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India in properly handling their differences through dialogue, achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and seeking fundamental solutions to the issues between them.

The next day, Wang Yi met with Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Wang Yi welcomed Muttaqi’s visit to China on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stated that China and Afghanistan are traditionally friendly neighbours, and both sides have always understood and supported each other and continuously advanced bilateral relations. China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the independent choices made by the Afghan people, as well as Afghanistan’s religious beliefs and ethnic culture. China has supported the Afghan people’s just struggle against aggression, never interfered in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, never sought selfish interests by instigating conflicts in Afghanistan, and never pursued so-called spheres of influence in Afghanistan. Since the establishment of the current Afghan government, China was the first to exchange new ambassadors with the country, demonstrating China’s friendship with the Afghan people. China will, as always, support the Afghan government in exercising governance in a moderate and prudent way, focusing on development, firmly combating terrorism, and pursuing good-neighbourliness and friendship, to achieve lasting peace and stability at an early date. China is ready to work with Afghanistan to expand cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, energy and minerals, poverty reduction, disaster prevention and mitigation, talent cultivation, medical care and health, law enforcement, and security.

Continue reading Wang Yi meets with foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently visited Kazakhstan to attend the Sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which was held in the capital Almaty.

Also attending were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to China Parahat Durdyev, and the Secretary-General of the China-Central Asia mechanism.

Addressing the meeting, held on April 26, Wang Yi said that at present, changes of the world, of the times, and of historical significance are unfolding like never before. Unilateralism and trade protectionism are on the rise at an accelerated pace, and the trend of “anti-globalisation” has severely impacted the free trade system. The United States has acted unilaterally to impose tariffs on over 180 countries at will, infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of these nations, violating World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, undermining the rule-based multilateral trading system, and destabilising the global economy. China has stepped forward and taken necessary countermeasures, not only to defend its own legitimate rights and interests, but also to safeguard international rules and order as well as international fairness and justice. No matter how the global landscape changes, China, as the world’s second-largest economy and a responsible major country, will unswervingly advance high-standard opening-up, seek common development with neighbouring countries, and share opportunities with the world, while shouldering its due international responsibilities and fulfilling its international obligations.

He put forward five proposals from the Chinese side for deepening China-Central Asia cooperation:

• First, firmly uphold good faith and foster harmony. China firmly supports the six countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and strengthening their collective self-reliance.

• Second, stick to mutually beneficial cooperation. China is ready to import more high-quality, green agricultural products from Central Asia, select and implement a number of high-quality cooperation projects, expand cooperation in emerging fields, and cultivate new quality productive forces for cooperation.

• Third, adhere to institutional development. China and Central Asian countries should strengthen coordination, accelerate the development of the mechanism’s pillars, and better leverage the role of the ministerial cooperation mechanism.

• Fourth, adhere to fairness and justice. China and Central Asian countries should jointly remember history and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Standing on the right side of history and human progress, the six countries should join hands to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and oppose any form of resurgence of fascism and militarism.

• Fifth, be firm in friendship for generations. It is necessary to strengthen cooperation in education and talent training and cultivate inheritors and successors of the cause of friendship.

The Central Asian countries’ representatives said that they will synergise their development strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen cooperation in priority areas such as unimpeded trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green minerals, agricultural modernistion, and facilitation of personnel exchanges, and achieve sustainable development and common prosperity. 

Continue reading Sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting promotes synergised development

Following his visit to Malaysia, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on the morning of April 17 to begin a state visit a state visit at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, as the final leg of his visit to neighbouring countries in south-east Asia.

King Norodom Sihamoni presided over a grand welcome ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport, the first of his reign. Xi Jinping made a written statement on arrival, extending his best New Year wishes to the Cambodian government and people on the occasion of the Khmer New Year, that fell that day. He pointed out that the China-Cambodia relationship was forged and carefully nurtured by the elder generation of leaders from both countries. It has withstood the test of the evolving international landscape and remains as solid as a rock.

That afternoon, King Norodom Sihamoni met with Xi at the Royal Palace.

Noting that Cambodia has recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s enthronement and the Khmer New Year, Xi Jinping said he is delighted to visit the beautiful Cambodia at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, extending his heartfelt New Year greetings to the Cambodian people. Xi Jinping said that Cambodia’s national development is thriving, and he believes that under the blessings of King Norodom Sihamoni, the hardworking and intelligent Cambodian people will surely build an even more prosperous and stronger nation. He stressed that China values its friendship with the Cambodian royal family and spoke highly of the important contributions made by the Cambodian royal family to the cause of China-Cambodia friendship over the years. Under the new circumstances, China and Cambodia should cherish and carry forward the ironclad friendship between the two countries jointly forged by the elder generation of Chinese leaders and King Father Norodom Sihanouk, enrich the China-Cambodia community with a shared future with the features of the new era, serve the development of their respective countries and the well-being of their people, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Norodom Sihamoni also noted that the friendship between Cambodia and China was forged and cultivated by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries.

He presented the National Order of Independence – Grand Collar to Xi Jinping. He said that President Xi Jinping holds special friendly feelings towards Cambodia and has made outstanding contributions to promoting the development of Cambodia-China relations, adding that Xi Jinping is a great friend of Cambodia.

Xi Jinping said this medal fully demonstrates Cambodia’s high regard for developing China-Cambodia relations and carries the deep friendship of the Cambodian people towards the Chinese people. This honour belongs not only to him personally, but also to all the friendly people who have cultivated and contributed to the friendship between China and Cambodia.

That evening Xi Jinping met with Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

Xi Jinping extended his best wishes to Norodom Monineath Sihanouk for the Khmer New Year. He noted that King Father Norodom Sihanouk was a symbol of China-Cambodia friendship. Together with the elder generation of Chinese leaders, he personally forged an unbreakable ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia, and we will always remember the historic contributions he made. Noting that Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk is a witness and promoter of China-Cambodia friendship, Xi Jinping said she has a special friendship towards the Chinese people, and she well deserves to be awarded the Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China. Xi Jinping also said that China, as her second home, welcomes her visit at any time.

Norodom Monineath Sihanouk said President Xi Jinping is the greatest friend of Cambodia, and this visit is a great honour for all the Cambodian people. She is very pleased to see that the China-Cambodia friendship forged by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries has been continuously consolidated and developed. She expressed confidence that the ironclad friendship between the two countries will grow even deeper and more unbreakable.

Continue reading China and Cambodia: friendly neighbours and ironclad friends

Following his highly successful visit to Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kuala Lumpur on the evening of April 15 for a state visit to Malaysia at the invitation of the King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.

In a written statement on his arrival, Xi Jinping said that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, setting a model for state-to-state relations. In 2023, the two sides reached an important consensus on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

As major developing countries and members of the Global South, deepening high-level strategic cooperation between China and Malaysia serves the common interests of both countries and is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world at large.

Xi Jinping met with Sultan Ibrahim on the morning of April 16.

The Chinese leader pointed out that China and Malaysia are good neighbours, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family. China and Malaysia should continue to deepen political mutual trust and support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns. The two sides should deepen the synergy of development strategies, draw on each other’s strengths for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly pursue modernisation. He called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the East Coast Rail Link, and to speed up efforts to foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy. China supports Malaysia in its role as the current ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) rotating chair and is ready to work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, and to promote the Global South’s pursuit of unity-driven collective strength and common development, so as to contribute more certainty and positive energy to the region and the world.

Sultan Ibrahim said that President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia is a major event in bilateral relations, which fully demonstrates the high level of Malaysia-China relations, adding that his successful visit to China last September is still fresh in his memory. China’s impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi Jinping and the hard work of the Chinese people. Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and will join hands to forge ahead for win-win cooperation and promote the building of a high-level strategic community with a shared future no matter how the international landscape evolves. Malaysia attaches importance to regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilise industrial and supply chains, enhance connectivity and boost educational, people-to-people and cultural exchanges. As the rotating chair of ASEAN and country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia is committed to promoting greater development of ASEAN-China relations and jointly building a peaceful and prosperous future. 

President Xi Jinping held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the afternoon.

He made a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

• First, upholding strategic independence and carrying out high-level strategic coordination. Both China and Malaysia are self-reliant nations that oppose external interference. Both countries should continue on the development paths suited to their respective national conditions, resolutely support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and hold their future and destiny firmly in their own hands.

• Second, combining forces for development and setting a benchmark for high-quality development cooperation. China is committed to advancing Chinese modernisation on all fronts through high-quality development. This is highly compatible with Malaysia’s Ekonomi MADANI initiative. The two sides should work together to cultivate and expand cooperation in the digital economy, green economy, blue economy, artificial intelligence and other frontier areas, and strengthen the integrated development of industrial chains, supply chains, value chains, data chains, and talent chains.

• Third, carrying forward the friendship forged through generations, and deepening inter-civilisational exchanges and mutual learning. The two sides should jointly advance Confucian-Islamic dialogue, and build platforms of civilisational exchanges for both countries and the region. Having signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, the two sides should seize the opportunity to scale up tourism, youth and subnational exchanges, and deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports, film, media, and so on, so as to foster closer people-to-people connection and renew their traditional friendship. China is ready to continue joint research on giant panda conservation with Malaysia.

China supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN Chair and stands ready to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade Protocol with regional countries as early as possible. Together, they will reject decoupling, supply disruption, “small yard, high fence” and tariff abuse with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation, counter the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and address instability and uncertainty in the world with the stability and certainty of Asia.

Continue reading Xi Jinping: China and Malaysia are good neighbours, good friends and good partners

Immediately ahead of his recent state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, special articles by Chinese President Xi Jinping were published in the major media of the three countries.

Ahead of his visit to Malaysia, Xi reviewed China’s age-old friendship with Malaysia, as well as in more recent times:

“Over 1,300 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monk Yijing of the Tang Dynasty traveled to the Malay Peninsula on his pilgrimage voyage and produced the earliest known written account of the ancient kingdom of Kedah. More than 600 years ago, Chinese navigator and explorer Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty and his fleet called at Malacca during five of his seven historic expeditions. His visits planted seeds of peace and friendship… Some 80 years ago, when the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression reached a critical juncture, the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics from Malaysia braved immense dangers to reach China’s Yunnan Province, and helped keep the Burma Road operational, as it was a vital lifeline of China’s wartime supplies. Today this remarkable story of courage still echoes in the hearts of both peoples… Fifty-one years ago, breaking through the gloom of the Cold War, leaders of China and Malaysia made the decision to establish diplomatic relations, pioneering a groundbreaking new chapter in relations between China and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries. China and Malaysia have since respected each other’s development paths while maintaining strategic independence. We have provided mutual support on issues vital to our respective core interests and on our major concerns, setting an exemplary model for two countries to prosper together through mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Highlighting various areas of such bilateral cooperation, Xi went on to note that China and Malaysia have mutually granted visa exemption to each other’s nationals. The year 2024 saw nearly six million mutual visits between the two countries, which exceeded the pre-COVID level. “Malaysia, truly Asia,” the tourism promotional ad that highlights the unique charm of Malaysia’s culture, history and landscape, has inspired numerous Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia for leisure vacations or sightseeing. More and more Malaysian tourists are traveling to China to appreciate its historical legacy and experience its contemporary vibe. I hope our peoples will visit each other as often as family.

China and Malaysia, Xi continued, are both major developing countries in the Asia-Pacific. We are also emerging market economies and members of the Global South. China welcomes Malaysia as a BRICS partner country. Its inclusion in the organisation aligns with the historic trend of the Global South’s pursuit of solidarity-driven collective advancement and serves the common interests of developing countries. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. As we honour these milestones, our two countries must strengthen mutual cooperation in international and regional affairs, and champion the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit. We must uphold the UN-centred international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and promote fairer and more equitable global governance. We must uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and maintain an international environment of openness and cooperation. As a community with a shared future, China and Malaysia share the smooth times and the rough, stand united in peace and crisis, and thrive and endure together.

He added: “China fully supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair for 2025 and looks forward to Malaysia serving as a stronger bridge between the two sides as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. Through its modernisation, China is striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. Chinese modernisation follows a path of peaceful development. China will promote global peace, development and shared prosperity with other countries through mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese economy is built on a solid foundation, with multiple strengths, high resilience and vast potential for growth. The core conditions supporting its long-term positive growth remain firmly in place, with the underlying upward trend unchanged. China has set its target for economic growth at around five percent for 2025. We will continue to pursue high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, share development opportunities with other countries, and bring greater stability and certainty to the regional and global economy. Unity brings strength, and cooperation leads to mutual success. China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, in keeping with the historical trend of peace and development.”

Continue reading Xi Jinping: China will work with ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical confrontation