China’s Xi unveils grand development plan
XI’AN China’s President Xi Jinping yesterday unveiled an ambitious plan to help elevate Central Asia to the next level of its development – from building infrastructure networks to boosting trade – while simultaneously shunning “external interference”.
China stands ready to synergise development strategies with the five Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and make joint efforts to promote the modernisation of all six countries, said Xi in an address at the China-central Asia Summit in north-west China.
“The world needs a Central Asia that is stable, prosperous, harmonious, and well-connected,” Xi said.
At the same time, the six countries should oppose “external interference” in the internal affairs of regional countries and attempts to instigate “colour revolutions”, and maintain a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism, separatism and extremism, Xi warned.
“China is ready to help Central Asian countries improve their law enforcement, security, and defense capability construction,” Xi said.
The two-day summit in the historic Silk Road city of Xi’an has been portrayed by Chinese state media as a triumph of China’s regional diplomacy.
The leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan earlier pledged support for Beijing and vowed deeper bilateral cooperation.
China and Central Asian countries should deepen strategic mutual trust, and always offer “clear and strong support” for each other on issues of core interests such as those involving sovereignty, independence, national dignity and long-term development, Xi said.
Trade and investment
China will upgrade bilateral investment agreements with Central Asian countries, and raise cross-border freight volume with the region in an all-round way, Xi said.
Beijing will encourage Chinese-funded businesses in Central Asia to create more local jobs, build overseas warehouses in the region, and launch a special train service aimed at promoting cultural tourism with Central Asia, he added.
Two-way trade between China and Central Asia hit a record US$70 billion last year, with Kazakhstan leading with US$31 billion, as China seeks deeper economic links in its quest for greater food and energy security.
Xi said the building of Line D of the China-central Asia natural gas pipeline should be accelerated.