Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday called for commitment to building an open world economy, and urged the importance of opposing unilateralism and protectionism.
In his remarks addressing the plenary sessions of the 17th BRICS Summit, Li also stressed the need to maintain the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains.
Facing an intertwined international situation, China and Europe should enhance communication, understanding, and mutual trust to become "anchors of stability" for the world and be reliable and strong partners that achieve mutual success, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Belgium's Prime Minister Bart de Wever in Brussels on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is visiting Europe from June 30 to July 6, at the invitation of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU Kaja Kallas, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany Johann Wadephul, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot.
Wang said that Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and the location of its headquarters, playing a unique role in the process of European integration and in relations between China and Europe. China appreciates the new Belgian government's rational and pragmatic policy toward China and is willing to promote the traditional friendship with Belgium and to push the all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to continue moving forward steadily.
Insisting on high-quality development and a high level of opening up, China welcomes more Belgian enterprises to develop in the country and hopes that Belgium will also provide a fair, safe, and predictable business environment for Chinese companies investing in Belgium, Wang noted.
Wang noted that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe, which is of significant importance for carrying forward the past and ushering in the future. "The half-century of exchanges between China and Europe fully proves that both sides can fully respect each other and achieve win-win cooperation," Wang said.
Wang emphasized that facing today's intertwined international situation, China and Europe, as two major global forces, markets, and civilizations, should strengthen communication, enhancing understanding, and consolidating mutual trust to jointly uphold multilateralism and the free trade system. China and Europe should be "anchors of stability" for the world and be reliable and strong partners that achieve mutual success.
De Wever said that Belgium and China have a long history of exchanges with active local friendly exchanges, which played a gateway role in Europe-China cooperation. He said that having visited China several times, he has been deeply impressed by China's development achievements. Although Europe and China have different perspectives, in the face of the current complex geopolitical situation, both sides should strengthen exchanges and enhance mutual trust, De Wever said.
De Wever said that Belgium firmly believes in multilateralism, supports Europe in strengthening its autonomy, and looks forward to positive outcomes from the meeting of European and Chinese leaders. He emphasized that the Belgian government firmly adheres to the one China policy and will not change this stance.
The two sides also exchanged views concerning the situation in Ukraine.
Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 5 to 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced at a regular press conference on Wednesday.
When asked about China's expectations for the BRICS Summit, Mao said the BRICS cooperation mechanism offers the most important platform for the solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in the world. It's an important force for realizing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
Mao noted that this will be the first summit after the new member Indonesia, and 10 partner countries joined BRICS. Multiple emerging markets, developing countries, and international and regional organizations are invited to the summit.
China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, make due contributions to safeguarding multilateralism, promoting common development and improving global governance, and advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, Mao added.
Initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the recently expanded BRICS now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the official BRICS 2025 website. The grouping has evolved into a platform for South-South cooperation and political coordination.
Based on the Johannesburg Declaration, the 2024 Kazan Summit approved the creation of a BRICS partner country category, which now includes Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and most recently, Vietnam.
Experts noted that the expanded format reflects BRICS' rising capacity to represent the Global South. This year's meeting is expected to offer broader representation and a stronger voice for developing nations amid challenges to multilateralism and international cooperation, they added.
"This summit marks the first full gathering of the '11 members+10 partners' BRICS family. Within this new system, developing countries will no longer be the silent majority but a vital force in global governance," Wang Youming, Director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Growing voice
The inclusion of Indonesia as a full member and Vietnam as a partner country further strengthens BRICS' representativeness and influence. The enlarged grouping spans Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, representing nearly half of the global population and about 30 percent of global GDP, contributing over 50 percent of global economic growth, according to an article published on People's Daily Wednesday.
''Joining BRICS cooperation is good for Vietnam's development and the common interest of BRICS countries and the Global South. Having a new partner country in the BRICS family symbolizes the BRICS' growing representativeness, appeal and impact,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on June 16.
China stands ready to work with other BRICS members and partner countries for a closer and more all-round, result-oriented and inclusive partnership, advance high-quality greater BRICS cooperation, and contribute more to defending multilateralism and global fairness and justice and advocating common development, Guo added.
Ali El-Hefny, Vice President of the Egypt-China Friendship Association and former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister, noted BRICS' increasing influence and its critical role in promoting South-South cooperation and common development, the People's Daily reported.
Against a backdrop of frequent geopolitical conflicts and disruptions to the international trade order, BRICS' role in articulating the voice of developing nations has never been more critical, Wang said.
"From the perspectives of economic scale, population, and political representation, BRICS surpasses regional groupings like the G7. It is therefore vital for BRICS to speak with one voice in confronting trade protectionism, geopolitical tensions, and climate change," Wang added.
On June 24, BRICS issued a Joint Statement on the Escalation of the Security Situation in the Middle East Following the Military Strikes on the Territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling on all parties to use existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy, with a view to de-escalate the situation and resolving their differences through peaceful means, which according to experts, demonstrates BRICS' unified voice on global peace and governance.
Emerging challenges
The 2025 summit is also expected to address key global issues, including the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the BRICS official website, the bloc seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions such as the UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO, while bolstering sustainable social and economic development and promote social inclusion, said the BRICS website.
Brazil, as the current BRICS Chair, has outlined two strategic priorities: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Brazil's agenda includes six key areas: global health, trade and finance, climate change, AI governance, peace and security, and institutional development.
Chen Fengying, a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Wednesday that green development, green finance, and AI will be key areas of discussion during the summit.
"On the future of emerging industries, the Global South will establish its own rules and voice. BRICS will play a pivotal role, with China, as a leading player in these sectors, expected to take the lead," Chen said.
In response to a media enquiry regarding whether China agrees to become a signatory to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) along with Russia, and if so, why China has made this decision now, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that as ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor, China has always firmly supported the establishment of a Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone.
China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ, while the US is currently reviewing the treaty before signing, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, as reported by Malaysian National News Agency Bernama.
Mohamad said the involvement of superpowers in the treaty would help preserve Southeast Asia as a region of peace, free of nuclear weapons, per Bernama.
"We have repeatedly made it clear that we are willing to be the first to sign the treaty. China is willing to continue communicating with ASEAN members regarding the signing of the protocol," Mao said.
In response to some Australian media outlets recently hyping China-related remarks made by Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while he was answering reporters' questions at the National Press Club of Australia, the Chinese Embassy in Fiji said in a statement on Thursday that the claims about "China setting up a military base in the Pacific" are false narratives. They are baseless and driven by ulterior motives.
Some media outlet, including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has highlighted Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's remarks on "not welcome" any Chinese military bases in the region in the headline. While in the news, ABC also noted that Rabuka told the Press Club that he didn't believe China was actively looking for a military base in Pacific.
The Embassy noticed that Prime Minister Rabuka said he did not believe that China needs a base in the Pacific. The claims about "China setting up a military base in the Pacific" are false narratives. They are baseless and driven by ulterior motives, said the spokesperson.
China's presence in the Pacific is focused on building roads and bridges to improve people's livelihoods, not on stationing troops or setting up military bases. Never has China stirred up any dispute in the Pacific Region, violated any inch of land from Pacific Island Countries, or signed any agreement that forced Pacific Island Countries to sacrifice their sovereignty, according to the spokesperson.
China remains firmly committed to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and to the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. We firmly support Pacific Island Countries in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs, and will maintain communication with Pacific Island Countries on major international and regional hotspot issues to make positive contributions to the peace and stability of the Pacific region, said the Embassy spokesperson.
China and Fiji are comprehensive strategic partners, and security cooperation is part of our bilateral relations. China applauds Prime Minister Rabuka's vision for the Pacific as an "Ocean of Peace", and is committed to work with Fiji in contributing to peace and security in the region and beyond, said the Embassy spokesperson.
The spokesperson of the Embassy emphasizes that the Pacific Ocean is large enough to accommodate win-win cooperation among all countries. China sincerely calls on relevant parties to avoid viewing China-Fiji and China-Pacific Island Countries relations through the narrow lens of geopolitical games, hyping up the so-called threats of geopolitical competition in the region, forcing Pacific Island Countries to "take sides", and imposing their own interests on these countries. Instead, we urge them to do more concrete things that contribute to the development of Pacific Island Countries and the well-being of the people.
Over the past 20 years, the pace of equal and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation between China and Pacific island countries has accelerated, which has caused unease and dissatisfaction among Western countries. They are attempting to use such propaganda tactic to drive a wedge between Pacific island nations and China — a common tactic of diplomatic blackmail they employ, Yu Lei, a professor from the Department of International Politics and Economics at Shandong University, told the Global Times.
China has always developed its relations with island countries based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and equality and mutual benefit, and has no intention of escalating military tensions in the region, said Yu.
In the statement, the spokesperson also said that the Embassy noticed Prime Minister Rabuka commented that China stood with Fiji when Australia turned away. He remarked that Fiji and China respect each other's sovereignty and we have not had any intrusion into our sovereign space.
China has no interest in geopolitical competition, or seeking the so-called "sphere of influence." There is no political strings attached to China's assistance, no imposing one's will onto others, and no empty promises. China advocates for all countries to uphold Pacific Island Countries' autonomy in making decisions, putting development first, and staying open and inclusive when developing relations with Pacific Island Countries, said the spokesperson.
China always believes that the Pacific is the homeland of the people of Pacific Island Countries, not the backyard of big powers outside the region. The Pacific is a stage for cooperation, not a battlefield for vicious competition. It makes no sense to view China's sincere help to Pacific Island Countries from the narrow perspective of geo-competition, said the spokesperson.
Forcing Pacific Island Countries to "choose sides" can never address the urgent demands for development of the people from the Pacific Island Countries, nor the common threat of climate change to mankind, said the spokesperson.
At nearly 30 hours and 20,000 kilometers away from Beijing, Buenos Aires in Argentina is one of the furthest destinations in the world from the Chinese capital. In a popular 2024 stand-up comedy show, Yan Hexiang, a Chinese actor and crosstalk performer, humorously pointed out that the antipodal point to Beijing is located in the Pampas grasslands of Argentina. However, the distance between Argentina and China doesn't seem so far. Just about 38 kilometers from Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, is a largely commercial section about five blocks long in the district of Belgrano, where a towering Chinese-style archway greets you, inscribed with the words "China Town."
The Global Times has visited many "Chinatowns" around the world, including those in Washington, London, and Nagasaki. However, Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" is quite different from the rest. This is immediately apparent upon entry: On a Sunday evening, the streets bustle with activity, restaurants have long wait times, and shops attend to numerous customers. Upon closer inspection, the Global Times noticed that non-Chinese diners and shoppers actually outnumber Chinese ones.
In Chinese, the word "foreigner" is used to refer to anyone who is not Chinese, therefore within the context of Buenos Aires, it is used to refer to non-Chinese locals. In many other "Chinatowns" in the world, Chinese nationals are surrounded by their own, and while the occasional less-than-authentic Chinese cuisine might remind them that "this is not China," the presence of Chinese nationals gives a sense of belonging. In contrast, in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," surrounded by countless local faces, the "Chinese nationals" seem more like visitors passing through.
Famous Chinese hotpot restaurant brands like Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, Shoo Loong Kan Hot Pot, and Haidilao Hot Pot, commonly found in American "Chinatowns," are conspicuously absent. However, Chinese culture, cuisine, and products are everywhere, and even bubble tea has become a favorite among the youth in the "Chinatown." A capybara in a shop window observes the comings and goings, much like its counterpart in the trendy toy area of Chaoyang district's Joy City mall in Beijing, 20,000 kilometers away.
In addition to Chinese elements, graffiti in the style of Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist Hayao Miyazaki features the Chinese characters for "Visited Here," and posters of South Korean idols appear in shop windows, indicating that this "Chinatown" not only spreads Chinese culture but also incorporates East Asian elements. A few steps further, a street magician interacts with the audience, with a prominent image of "Guanyin" on the wall behind him, as if everything before us is being witnessed by the bodhisattva.
Why are there so many "foreigners" in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown"? Locals provided various answers. Most people's first response was that "Chinatown" is an important social media hotspot in Buenos Aires. If you plan a day trip to the city, this is a must-visit location. "You visited on the last day of a long weekend, so of course, there were many people shopping and dining; people love going to Chinatown," a local Chinese national told the Global Times.
Another local explained that unlike many other "Chinatowns," Buenos Aires' "Chinatown" has a significant number of Chinese residents, but it is not the main gathering place for the local Chinese community. With its trendy atmosphere, it naturally attracts a lot of young people, making the "foreigners" seem particularly popular.
What is it that attracts so many "foreigners" to this "Chinatown"? "Chinese cuisine" topped the list of mentions, with Chinese products and culture also frequently cited among those interviewed by the Global Times. "Yufu" is a relatively authentic Cantonese restaurant in Buenos Aires' "Chinatown," where Chinese food is on the pricier side compared to local dining options. Yet even at 2:10 pm on Sunday, the restaurant was still packed, and the number of Chinese diners was visibly less than half of all patrons.
"Exquisite, compact, and easy to explore," said Nora, director of a research company in Buenos Aires, when asked about the "Chinatown". She added, "I love the dim sum in 'Chinatown'; I enjoy the exotic atmosphere there. The shop owners are very friendly, and the products are diverse; you can find many things you want in one store."
Liu Jialong, a 19-year-old local of Chinese descent, told the Global Times that "Buenos Aires also has a 'Koreantown,' which is only one street and much smaller than 'Chinatown.' It used to be very popular, but its popularity has declined. In contrast, 'Chinatown' is booming now."
If China were not becoming stronger and developing so rapidly, would people be increasingly interested in China? he asked.
On the diplomatic front, the Milei administration made some comments about China that were deemed newsworthy by some Western media outlets before taking office. However, Argentines, including scholars and businesspeople, that the Global Times reporter met here during the trip place great importance on China-Argentina relations. China is Latin America's second-largest trading partner and holds the top position in several countries. In a recent survey released by the Global Times Institute (GTI), in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and the China-Latin America Education and Culture Center, on the "China-LAC mutual perception" conducted in both regions found that the most prominent impression left by China on Latin Americans was "technology." When asked to fill in keywords that represent their primary impressions of China, a Gen Z respondent from Argentina mentioned "DeepSeek."
Of all those interviewed by the Global Times, Wu Ditai, a young Argentine scholar who studied at Peking University, was the most knowledgeable about China. Watching him mimic the distinct drawl common among Beijing's taxi drivers was as impressive as it was comedic.
"It's not just 'Chinatown'; if you look deeper, Argentines are very curious about China. They want to know why China is developing so quickly and what experiences Argentina can learn from," Wu Ditai said. He has plans to return to China soon and hopes to travel across all provinces to gain a deeper understanding of the country.
Of course, the reality is that many Argentines do not have a sufficient understanding of China. Most of their information comes from the media, especially Western media sources and social media.
An Argentine journalist told the Global Times that while there is considerable coverage of China in local media, the current lack of understanding among Argentines about China is unlikely to change in the short term.
"'China Travel' is a trending topic now, and Argentina has visa-free access. The real China is right there, and everyone is welcomed to learn about it," the Global Times told Wu Ditai.
When asked to comment on a UK report which alleged that "Chinese spying" has risen in recent years and that British Foreign Minister David Lammy told parliament that his administration is investing over $800 million into the investigation as a result, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday said that China is committed to the path of peaceful development. "We never pose a threat to any country, nor do we interfere in other countries' internal affairs," Guo stated.
"Both China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world. To grow bilateral ties and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation is in the interest of the two countries and the rest of the world," said Guo at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.
"China stands ready to grow its ties with the UK based on mutual respect and proper management of the differences, but we never accept any smear or groundless accusation," Guo said.
The spokesperson's remarks came after London published a report on Tuesday, which recommended high-level engagement with China for a "trade and investment relationship" but also building "resilience" against threats posed by Beijing, AFP reported on Tuesday.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commissioned an "audit" of Britain's relations with Beijing after he swept to power in a landslide general election win last July, AFP noted.
According to AFP, the report claimed that "Chinese spying and attempts by Beijing to undermine Britain's democracy and economy have risen in recent years."
Lammy told parliament the Labor administration would invest £600 million ($818 million) in its intelligence services as a result of the findings.
"We understand that China is a sophisticated and persistent threat," but "not engaging with China is therefore no choice at all," Lammy told MPs.
According to the website of the UK government on Tuesday, Lammy also made improper remarks on Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and so-called human rights issues.
In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK said on Wednesday that we firmly oppose the erroneous remarks in the statements and report by the British side that smears China as a "threat," makes groundless accusations against China and interferes in China's internal affairs.
The embassy spokesperson said that the facts fully demonstrate that China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. China's development does not pose a challenge or threat to any country but instead creates opportunities for shared growth worldwide.
Allegations of Chinese espionage, cyberattacks or so-called "transnational repression" are entirely fabricated and constitute malicious slander. The Taiwan question, Hong Kong issues, and human rights issues are purely China's internal affairs, in which no external force has the right to interfere. China's resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering, and we will never allow any external forces to provoke trouble, according to the spokesperson.
"We urge the UK to recognize the broader landscape, adopt a correct mindset and completely abandon its Cold War mentality and ideological bias. Only by maintaining an accurate understanding of China and adhering to the principles of mutual respect and open cooperation can China-UK dialogue and exchanges across all fields proceed smoothly, ensuring the steady and enduring development of bilateral relations," said the embassy spokesperson.
When commenting on the British report and Lammy's remarks, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies, China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday that by simultaneously sending two conflicting policy signals - one for cooperation and another portraying China as a "threat" - the UK government is eroding the very foundation of mutual trust necessary for stable bilateral relations.
"Such contradictory messaging will inevitably create practical disruptions in China-UK relations," Cui warned.
According to AFP, Starmer has vowed to pursue a "consistent" relationship after the previous Conservative government first trumpeted a "golden era" of close diplomatic ties before relations became increasingly strained. The British prime minister hopes Chinese investment can help him achieve his main mission of firing up Britain's economy, AFP claimed.
"While we recognize the Starmer administration's stated intention to recalibrate Britain's foreign policy approach toward China, the fundamental logic underlying both parties' China policies remains remarkably similar. Their so-called 'balanced strategy' essentially follows a 'have-them-all' approach: pursuing economic benefits through cooperation with China while maintaining ideological distance and emotional resistance toward China," said Cui. "This new report perfectly encapsulates this dual mentality," the expert noted.
China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Friday released an article reminding the public that printers, as frequently used devices in modern offices, pose significant security risks that must not be overlooked. It has been discovered that some foreign intelligence agencies specifically purchased second-hand printers to extract residual classified documents, forming a hardware-based data theft supply chain.
The article said that some printer software on certain download platforms has been found to contain remote-access trojans, which spread to large numbers of user devices through download links and enable remote control for data theft. This type of supply chain attack compromises companies' software development environments by embedding malicious code into official software, creating a "download-and-get-hit" precision attack model.
The high-voltage electrostatic fields of laser printers and the piezoelectric ceramic vibrations of inkjet printers generate electromagnetic signals that can also be intercepted. These signals can penetrate standard building walls and glass. With specific algorithms, the printed content can be accurately reconstructed, posing a significant leakage risk, according to the MSS.
Such "invisible leakage channels" can be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies to steal printed information, read the article.
The article also noted that most printers have built-in storage modules that automatically cache printing tasks, including output documents and scanned images. If a printer used for classified files is retired without properly disposing of its storage chip, the underlying data can still be recovered through technical means - even after record deletion or a factory reset - posing a security risk.
It has been discovered that some foreign intelligence agencies specifically purchase second-hand printers to extract residual classified documents, forming a hardware-based data theft supply chain, according to the MSS.
The ministry listed ways to prevent data leakage. It urged users to always download the latest printer drivers from official websites and avoid third-party high-speed download links. Before installation, hash values should be verified using antivirus software. Printers handling classified documents must remain offline, with non-essential features like remote control, printer sharing, USB, and Bluetooth disabled.
Low-emission devices certified by official authorities should be prioritized. Classified-use printers should be placed centrally, away from walls and windows, to minimize the risk of electromagnetic data interception.
Printers should have removable storage chips. When decommissioning such equipment, deep data wiping should be performed using official tools. Designated personnel should remove and degauss storage chips, and certified institutions should handle final disposal, according to the ministry article.
The rhythmic clatter of wheels on rail tracks echoed the fading tinkle of camel bells, heralding a renaissance of the ancient and timeless Silk Road, invigorated by blossoming cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.
With the second China-Central Asia Summit having concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this week, both sides are seizing fresh opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to uphold multilateralism, consolidate the multilateral trading system, and deepen cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and energy.
Since the inaugural summit held two years ago in Xi'an, a historic city in northwest China, cooperation between China and Central Asia has drawn these land-linked economies closer to each other, yielding mutually beneficial outcomes across various sectors.
ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY
Xi'an, once a bustling gateway to the Silk Road, is witnessing the revival of this ancient trade route, with a recently launched international tourist train service making exchanges between China and Kazakhstan easier.
As a hallmark achievement of the 2023 summit, this 3,000-kilometer journey connects Xi'an in Shaanxi Province with Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Traversing snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, what makes this train route truly special is the opportunities it provides for cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Such cultural interactions can, notably, also translate into valuable business opportunities.
During the train's maiden journey in 2025, Yuan Li, head of a Xi'an-based home furnishings company, immersed herself in Central Asian culture. She drew design inspiration from Kazakh embroidery to enrich her business options, saying that her company would invite artisans from both China and Kazakhstan to co-design a Silk Road-themed home collection.
This train route is one of many vivid examples of enhanced regional connectivity between China and Central Asian countries. In December 2024, the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. The railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.
Once completed, the railway will become a strategic corridor benefiting all the three countries and their peoples, contributing to regional economic and social development and playing a significant role in promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and high-quality development of the Belt and Road.
On a broader scale, cooperation between China and Central Asia is bringing Asia and Europe closer together and at a faster pace, thanks to the China-Europe freight train service. This train service passes through cities like Almaty and Tashkent, transforming them into bustling transit hubs. It now reaches 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.
Central Asia serves as a hub connecting China with the Eurasian continent, and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has promoted connectivity in infrastructure, energy and trade, said Xu Xiaotian, a researcher with Heilongjiang University in northeast China. "Through economic integration, security collaboration and cultural exchanges, China and Central Asian nations are establishing a tighter network of cooperation," Xu said.
"China's cooperation with Central Asian countries contributes to mutual development and strengthens ties in science, education, culture and socio-economic fields, which are crucial for the stability, development, well-being and prosperity of the entire region," said Rashid Yusupov, director of the Center for Belt and Road Studies of Kyrgyz State University.
SHARED PROSPERITY
In March, a shipment of 16,000 apple seedlings from the city of Weinan, Shaanxi Province, entered Tajikistan through the Karasu Port in northwest China's Xinjiang. This marked the province's first-ever export of apple saplings to Tajikistan. Historically, Central Asia is one of the regions from which apples migrated to China.
According to Liu Zhanyuan, an official with Xi'an customs, these saplings will be planted in an apple orchard commemorating the friendship between China and Tajikistan. The orchard is a project to implement the outcomes of the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit.
"By sharing advanced apple cultivation techniques and management expertise with Tajikistan, the project will help local farmers improve apple yields and quality," Liu added.
The apple orchard project exemplifies the deepening ties between China and Central Asia, where cooperation across various sectors is translating into tangible economic benefits.
According to China's General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking an increase of 5.4 billion year on year. In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade hit 173.05 billion yuan (about 24.13 billion U.S. dollars), a 37.3-percent surge compared to the same period last year.
China and Central Asian countries have not only seen a significant increase in trade value but also expanded their economic cooperation into various sectors -- creating a comprehensive and multifaceted mutually beneficial economic relationship, Xu said.
Looking ahead to future cooperation between China and Central Asia, Li Ziguo, an expert with the China Institute of International Studies, said that driven by a new wave of technological revolution, digital economy and e-commerce are emerging as new growth areas for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Moving forward, a series of big data cooperation projects will provide a more efficient and stable network environment for information exchange and resource sharing between China and Central Asian countries, thereby further unlocking digital dividends in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and e-commerce, Li added.
In response to a media inquiry regarding the draft UN Security Council resolution reportedly put forward by Russia, China, and Pakistan on the situation in Iran, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities constitutes a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and has further intensified tensions in the Middle East. He stressed that the Security Council can't remain inactive in the face of such developments.
Guo noted that the draft resolution submitted by China, Russia, and Pakistan calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the protection of civilians, compliance with international law, and the initiation of dialogue and negotiations, adding that the proposal represents a voice of justice and reflects the strong will of the international community.
"China hopes all Security Council members will support the draft and work together to ensure that the Council fulfills its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security," said Guo.