China vows not to let non-regional forces 'stir up trouble' in Central Asia

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China has expressed "deep concern" about the serious spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis, saying it would never allow non-regional forces to "stir up trouble" in Central Asia, according to an official statement on Wednesday.

"Under the current circumstances, the (Central Asian) region should be on guard against attempts by forces outside the region to draw regional countries into major power conflicts and force them to take sides," China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Wang on Tuesday during a meeting with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Nur-Sultan, the Central Asian nation's capital, where he will attend the third China+Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers' meeting, said a statement released by China's Foreign Ministry.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"China has never sought geopolitical interests in Central Asia, and never allows non-regional forces to stir up trouble in the region," the foreign minister said.

According to the statement, both sides expressed deep concerns about the serious spillover impacts of the Ukraine crisis.

Russia launched the war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, drawing international condemnation as millions of people were forced to flee the country due to land and aerial attacks.

Beijing, however, has stopped short of condemning Moscow but has insisted on ending the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

"China has played a constructive role in promoting peace talks," Wang stressed.

He urged the five Central Asian countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan -- to "stand firm, eliminate interference, strengthen coordination, cooperate in good faith and safeguard regional peace and stability."

According to the statement, Tokayev "appreciated China's just position, and expressed the willingness to maintain close and timely communication and stay committed to the settlement of disputes through peaceful means."

"Kazakhstan and China share the same stance and common language on major international issues," the Kazakh president said.

The statement said Tokayev "fully agrees with and supports" the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"These initiatives, which are very important and timely, will be conducive to bridging the deficit in global peace, governance, trust and development," he added.

"Kazakhstan also appreciates China's initiative to build four partnerships of solidarity, development, security and civilization with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and is willing to take an active part in it," said Tokayev.

The Kazakh president said support and cooperation provided by China "play a vital role in Kazakhstan's political security, national stability and economic development."

Assuring that China would strengthen strategic synergy with Kazakhstan, Wang said Beijing would "speed up" the feasibility study of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor.