China & Central Asia

[TaiShang]

China offers rays of hope for Central Asia
By Casey Michel

From Beijing to Washington, those observing events in Central Asia knew that 2014 serves as a pivotal year. Stemming largely from the drawdown of the International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, bringing the war to a formal close, the region looked set for a concomitant drawdown in interest from the West.

But this retrenchment was not the only geopolitical pivot in 2014. Between the revanchism from Moscow, the flop of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), and the rise of the Islamic State, Central Asia experienced a litany of geopolitical shudders over the past year.

As Russia’s construction and services sectors begin receding, remittances from migrant labor, the main pillars of GDP in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are set to see a considerable drop. While some newly unemployed migrants will seek work elsewhere, many more will return home, unable to support themselves or their families, and more than willing to redirect their discontent toward incompetent government officials.

In 2015, Central Asia can expect decreased economic fortunes, growing populations of the discontented and the jobless, and the increasing appeal of those pushing anti-state extremism. However, if there is an over-arching reason for optimism in the region, it comes from Beijing. Central Asia presents the lone stretch of warm relations with China, at least on a governmental level. Territorial concerns are largely non-existent, while the autocrats of Central Asia have been more than willing to take Chinese largesse, which often comes without any of the humanitarian prerequisites the West requires.

Indeed, China’s ability to act as a centering presence in the region has already borne fruit. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Silk Road Economic Belt envisions Central Asia as a necessary conduit to European markets. As such, China has expended both time and resource toward offering projects that would bring the region together.

Beijing would much rather see Central Asia working in harmonic unity for mutual benefit. This approach, thus far, has paid dividends, and will likely continue to do so, especially as it pertains to infrastructural development. Tajikistan, for instance, is expecting a $6 billion investment from China in the near future. While this will likely not be enough to offset the decline in remittances, it will help soften the blow, and could well lay the groundwork for future investments in the country and the region.

Further examples of China’s regional successful focus can be found within the China-Central Asia pipeline network, which funnels Kazakh, Uzbek, and Turkmen gas to Beijing. Coming expansion will also include Kyrgyz and Tajik operations. Such investments extend to further infrastructure projects, especially rail.

Whether it is willing or capable remains a question worth following. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, two of the nations along China’s western border, look to be the hardest hit by Russia’s downturn, posing potential security threats to both respective governments as well as to stability in China’s western reaches.

Beijing has worked for years to solidify the security situation in Xinjiang, and beyond. This coming year will show just how committed Beijing truly is to stability in Central Asia. China has shown a willingness to help Central Asia integrate into a single network, and will likely continue doing so for the foreseeable future.

 

[TaiShang]

China, Central Asia seek cooperation on Silk Road Economic Belt
June 16, 2015

BEIJING, June 16 -- The Silk Road Economic Belt was highlighted in the third China-Central Asia cooperation forum in Rizhao, Shandong Province on Tuesday.

Speaking at the forum, Meng Jianzhu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, lauded the achievements by China and Central Asian nations.

He called on all those present at the forum to work together to build a new Silk Road basedon inclusiveness, mutual benefit, peace and cultural integration.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Rustam Azimov, Kyrgyz Deputy Prime MinisterValery Dil and representatives from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan attendedthe forum.

Azimov and Dil praised the initiative, saying there were many opportunities for pragmaticcooperation.

During a visit to Kazakhstan in September 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that China and Central Asian nations collaborate on the Silk Road Economic Belt to boostcooperation.

 

[TaiShang]

"Qingdao" freight train for the first time departs in Shandong, China to Central Asia
July 2, 2015

The "Qingdao" freight train heading to Central Asia sets off from the central station of CR Intermodal in Qingdao, a port city in east China's Shandong Province, July 1, 2015. The freight train, carrying auto parts, digital products and tyres, will transport cargoes to Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. (Photo/Yu Fangping)

 

[Shotgunner51]

Central Asia Region is an important commodity supplier, and a growth market for infra & industrial goods. Moreover, the Eurasian land bridge can connect the developed ends in East Asia and Western Europe, forming the world's biggest transcontinental economic belt in between.

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[TaiShang]

Central Asia's longest railway tunnel completed
Xinhua, May 27, 2016

Central Asia's longest railway tunnel has been completed and trains began running through it on a trial basis, the Chinese contractor said Friday.

Qamchiq Tunnel, part of the Angren-Pap railway line that connects Tashkent and Namangan, was built by China Railway Tunnel Group. The project began in 2013 and was completed three months earlier than the original plan.

The 19.2 kilometer tunnel goes through Qurama Mountains and is a key cooperation project in the China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative, which is expected to reduce regional transportation costs and help boost trade and economy.

 

[Nan Yang]

A trial train emerges from the QamchiqTunnel. (Photo: Xie Yahong from People'sDaily)

As Chinese President Xi Jinping is kickingoff a four-day state visit to Uzbekistan onTuesday, the Qamchiq Tunnel, acooperation project between China andUzbekistan, has drawn attention since Xiwill attend a ceremony marking thecompletion together with Uzbek leaders.

The 19.2km Qamchiq Tunnel, part of theAngren-Pap railway line that connects thecapital city of Tashkent with the easterncity of Namangan, is also the longestrailway tunnel in Central Asia.

The project was undertaken by the ChinaRailway Tunnel Group (CRTG). Thecompany, after beating their European andUS counterparts in the bidding process,began the construction in 2013, andcompleted it in late May, nearly six monthsearlier than the original plan.

The Angren-Pap railway line has drawnattention as the 169km Angren-Paprailway line is important to Uzbekistan’snational strategy of internal connectivity.Upon completion, it can relieve trafficpressure for about 10 million people, overa third of the country’s population.

The tunnel, as the largest cooperationproject between the two countries outsideof the sector, is also a key project in theChina-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative.

The tunnel, which required 47 kilometersof excavation, was also the most difficultpart of whole railway project.

The unfavorable geological conditions, aswell as the extremely cold workingenvironment where as cold as minus 40degrees centigrade, have all stood in theway of construction.

To complete the project on schedule, theconstructors tackled these tough problems.Xiao Chenyu, the site constructionmanager of CRTG, said that the workerseven need to work in such temperature forfive months.

Because of the complicated geologicalfaults, construction teams encounteredfrequent rock bursts when blasting themountain. During construction, moderaterock bursts occurred more than 3,000times. The most serious rock burst causedthe collapse of nearly 2,000 cubic meters ofrock, severely threatened for constructionworkers.

Rock seepage was also a problem duringconstruction. When excavating in somesections, the staffs even had to work half-submerged in water.

But the CRTG showed China's efficiency tothe world with its outstandingperformance and laid a foundation forother companies that want to test thewaters in overseas markets.

Highly acknowledging this project, theUzbek government has signed a letter ofintent with China for further cooperation

 

[TaiShang]

Xi tours 'living fossil of Silk Road' Bukhara in Uzbekistan
Chinese President Xi Jinping toured the Uzbek city of Bukhara, which he called a "shinning pearl on the ancient Silk Road" on Tuesday after arriving here for a state visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C,front) and his wife Peng Liyuan visit a carpet and silk workshop in the old city of Bukhara as accompanied by Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoev, in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, June 21, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]


Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, accompanied by Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took a detailed tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in central-southern Uzbekistan with great interest.

The Historic Center of Bukhara, situated on the Silk Road, is more than 2,000 years old. It is one of the best examples of well preserved Islamic cities of Central Asia with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact.

Standing on the Ark fortress of Bukhara, Mirziyoyev told Xi history of the city during its prime time on the Silk Road trade corridor.

"The kids in the city were playing with golden coins, in stead of playing with stones like kids elsewhere," the prime minister said.

Now a city culture museum, the Ark fortress, once residence of Bukhara's ancient rulers, hosts a series of antiques and relics including manual scripts of the Koran, art crafts, ancient coins and old weaponry that witnessed the stretching history of the city.

Bukhara was long an important economic and cultural center in Central Asia and served as a major center of Islamic culture for many centuries.

Xi and Peng then visited the Samanid Mausoleum and the Poi Kalyan ensemble, which consists of Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah.

After asking detailed questions on the history and traditions of Bukhara, the Chinese president said the tour gave him more profound understanding of the deep-rooted historical connections between China and Uzbekistan.

Hailing Bukhara as the "shinning pearl on the ancient Silk Road," Xi said the tour will help China and Uzbekistan carry forward the Silk Road spirit, boost the friendship between their two peoples, and jointly promote the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Bukhara was the first stop of Xi's state visit to the Central Asian country.

The Chinese president then traveled to the Uzbek capital Tashkent, where he will hold talks with President Islam Karimov on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues.

In Tashkent, Xi will also attend the 16th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State on June 23 and 24.

Uzbekistan is the third and final stop of Xi's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Serbia and Poland.

 

[AndrewJin]

Dragon's inclusive growth!

 

[ahojunk]

Stronger anti-terror ties with Central Asian countries urged
2016-10-25 08:43 | Global Times | Editor: Li Yan

Central Asia hotbed of al-Qaeda, ETIM threats

The arrest of 14 Kyrgyz servicemen for allegedly selling weapons to terrorists involved in the August car bomb attack on the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan has sparked calls for greater anti-terror cooperation with Central Asian countries.

"The incident sheds light on twin terrorism threats in Central Asia - surviving al-Qaeda forces hidden in this area and new terror groups influenced by the Islamic States (IS)," Li Wei, an anti-terror expert at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.

Several serving and retired border service officers and a director of the Interior Ministry were allegedly involved in selling weapons to criminal gangs, who launched terror attacks on the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan and against a Kyrgyz prosecutor earlier this year, the Russian news agency Interfax reported on Sunday.

Compared with the governments of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which have a good control over their national security, the turbulent political situation in Kyrgyzstan makes the country ripe for terrorist activities, said Li.

Li said China's counter-terror measures are part of international efforts, and China should seek greater cooperation with other countries guided by the UN Security Council.

Considering that some terrorists in China are now heading to Syria to join IS or conducting terror activities in neighboring areas, China is trying to shut down their transit points in Southeast Asia and is seeking greater cooperation with countries, including Turkey, to crack down on East Turkestan separatists, Li said.

Kyrgyzstan's state security service confirmed in a statement in September that the attack was ordered by Uyghur militants active in Syria and carried out by a member of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Reuters reported.

"There are quite a number of Uyghurs living in Central Asia and the Turkistan Islamic Party, a branch of the ETIM, has strengthened its influence in the area in recent years. They are a threat to regional stability as well as China's anti-terror efforts," Zhu Yongbiao, associate professor at the Institute for Central Asian Studies of Lanzhou University, told the Global Times.

Zhu said that China has intensified its crackdown on the ETIM and has been cooperating with countries in this area, including providing facilities and funds, working together on extradition efforts and establishing a network for sharing anti-terror information under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

"We should engage in closer security cooperation through the SCO, leaving no room for destabilizing forces," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at the close of the two-day SCO meeting in Central China's Henan Province in December 2015.

Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are among SCO member countries.

 

[ahojunk]

Chinese premier's upcoming Eurasian visit to enhance regional cooperation
2016-11-02 08:32 | Xinhua | Editor: Mo Hong'e

Premier Li Keqiang's upcoming visit to Eurasian countries will further enhance substantial cooperation with central Asia, central and eastern Europe, and Russia, senior diplomats have said.

Li is scheduled to leave Tuesday for an eight-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia. He will attend the 15th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prime ministers' meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and attend the Fifth Summit of China and Central and Eastern European Countries in Riga, Latvia.

Li will also attend the 21st China-Russia Prime Ministers' Regular Meeting in St. Petersburg during his Russia tour.

The visit to Kyrgyzstan is the first visit to the central Asian country for Premier Li and an important high-level visit between the two countries this year, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai told a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

According to the official, during the premier's visit to Kyrgyzstan from Wednesday to Thursday, he will hold talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbai Jeenbekov and meet Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev to exchange views on the Belt and Road Initiative as well as security and cultural cooperation.

The two countries will issue a joint communique and sign a string of deals on areas including economy and trade, production capacity, transportation, agriculture and intelligence property protection.

Regarding the SCO prime ministers' meeting, Li Huilai said the premier will propose concrete initiatives to further deepen SCO cooperation in areas of finance, trade, science and innovation.

The six members of the SCO will announce 38 measures designed to boost cooperation in areas such as transport, science and technology, infrastructure construction and environmental protection.

The visit to Kazakhstan will focus on cooperation in production capacity, according to a press release by the Foreign Ministry.

This is Premier Li's second visit to Kazakhstan in two years, which shows that the two countries enjoy a high-level relationship and strategic mutual trust, it said.

The two countries will sign deals on trade, finance and energy, said the press release.

The premier will then attend a meeting between the heads of the governments of China and 16 central and eastern European countries in Riga.

This is the first time a 16+1 summit has been held in a Baltic country, which is of great importance to the development of cooperation between China and central and eastern European countries, as well as the China-EU all-round strategic partnership, said Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Haixing at the press briefing.

Li will attend a 16+1 leader's round-table, deliver a speech at the sixth China, Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum and meet leaders from these countries, said Liu, adding that the EU will attend the 16+1 meeting as an observer.

This is also the first time a Chinese premier has visited Latvia since it declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Liu said.

As an EU country and a transportation hub in northern Europe, Latvia can play an important role in connecting Asia and Europe, he said.

During the visit, the premier is expected to sign agreements with Latvia to further integrate China's Belt and Road Initiative with Latvia's strategic development and boost cooperation in trade, transport and tourism, said Liu, adding that China will also set up a culture center in Riga.

Russia will be the last stop on Li's eight-day trip. This is a major high-level exchange between China and Russia, said Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai.

Li and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev will discuss major areas of interest and cooperation projects and sign agreements in areas including trade, energy, aviation, custom housing and education, said Li Huilai.

"China believes that the visit will improve the China-Russia all-round partnership of strategic coordination," said Li Huilai.

 

[ahojunk]

China, Kyrgyzstan vow to deepen security ties
2016-11-03 08:41 | Xinhua | Editor: Mo Hong'e

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds talks with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov
in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 2, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Zhang Duo)​

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, on Wednesday agreed to deepen security cooperation between the two countries to safeguard regional security and stability.

The regional security situations at present are complicated and severe, Li said during his meeting with Jeenbekov.

The Chinese embassy in Bishkek was hit by a terrorist attack in August, leaving two Kyrgyz employees of the embassy and three Chinese people injured.

Li expressed his hope that Kyrgyzstan will speed up the investigation and handling of the incident, provide support and assistance, and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese staff posted in Kyrgyzstan.

China is willing to deepen security cooperation with Kyrgyzstan to fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism and safeguard regional security and stability, Li said.

For his part, Jeenbekov voiced Kyrgyzstan's strong condemnation against the terrorist attack against the Chinese embassy, saying his country will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Chinese embassy and its staff.

Kyrgyzstan will also enhance cooperation with China in security law enforcement, fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and safeguard security and stability of the two countries and the region as a whole, said the Kyrgyz prime minister.

Li arrived in Bishkek earlier Wednesday for an official visit to the central Asian country and the 15th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The SCO, an inter-governmental organization founded in Shanghai in 2001, groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan signed the SCO's Memorandum of Obligations in June, kick-starting the process of their accession into the group, which also has a number of observers and dialogue partners.

Kyrgyzstan is the first leg of Li's ongoing eight-day four-country tour, which will also take him to Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia.