China-Tajikistan ties enter new stage

In mid-June, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Tajikistan and attend a summit for the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon. 

The opening session of the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is held in east China's Shanghai, May 21, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

This will be the second time President Xi has been to the mountainous country, and the visit will become a new landmark event in the development of China-Tajikistan ties, as well as opening a new page in the progress of the CICA. 

In recent years, China-Tajikistan ties have gathered momentum due to head-of-state diplomacy. After President Xi paid his first state visit to Tajikistan in 2014, bilateral ties have entered a "fast lane" of development. In 2017, the two countries decided to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, and the heads of the two nations have developed a close working relationship and personal friendship. Together they have laid out plans and strategic measures to boost bilateral ties and comprehensive cooperation. They have also further enhanced the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Tajikistan's national development strategy, making the diplomatic relationship its historic best.

Over the past years, China-Tajikistan ties have made solid progress along with the advancement of the BRI. After President Xi proposed the initiative in 2013, Tajikistan took the lead in voicing support, becoming the first country to sign a cooperation document with China. Under the framework of the BRI, the two countries have accelerated cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, chemicals, transportation, communication, mining, metallurgy, infrastructure, agriculture and the processing of agricultural products. By now, more than 300 Chinese enterprises have invested in Tajikistan. A batch of projects have been launched to promote local development and improve people's livelihood. These projects have filled gaps in Tajikistan's industries, such as cement, chemicals, textile, electricity and transportation. This has supported Tajikistan in implementing its four development strategies of achieving energy independence, improving transportation, realizing food security, and promoting industrialization.

The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind brings China and Tajikistan close together. Tajikistan warmly welcomes President Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and China firmly supports Tajik President Rahmon's domestic and foreign policies, with regards to Tajikistan's national development and people's well-being. There are no historical disputes or realistic contradictions between China and Tajikistan. The two countries support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and enjoy close coordination and collaboration in international affairs. Both sides have continuously strengthened efforts to promote people-to-people connectivity, and carried forward the friendship from generation to generation. China-Tajikistan relations have a solid foundation from which to scale new heights. President Xi's visit to Tajikistan will surely inject new impetus to the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, and guide bilateral relations to an even higher level.

The development of the CICA exemplifies China's contributions in every respect. Since its establishment 27 years ago, the CICA has played a distinct role in promoting peace and stability in Asia, as well as regional exchanges and cooperation. China, in turn, has always played an important role in the development of the CICA. While holding the CICA presidency from 2014 to 2018, China successfully hosted a series of important activities, including the Shanghai Summit and the foreign ministers' meeting. China advocates a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia, which has won the high praise and widespread endorsement of the international community. China also initiated the Non-Governmental Forum, the Business Council and the Youth Council within the framework of the CICA, and organized related training programs and expert forums. All of these efforts have greatly increased the dialogue of the CICA and its global influence. As the former CICA chair and as a friendly neighbor, China actively supports Tajikistan in hosting this summit.

Currently, Asia faces many complicated and severe challenges to its development. Against such a backdrop, President Xi's visit to Tajikistan, his attendance at the summit and consultation with leaders of participating countries and international organizations, reflects that China is living up to its responsibility within Asia and beyond. China will work with Asian countries, including Tajikistan, to further expand the CICA's global influence, enhance its overall cooperation, and contribute to the fostering of a security governance model with Asian features. In a new era, as the continent increasingly becomes the focus of world attention, China will join hands with all parties to create a more peaceful and prosperous future for Asia.