DUSHANBE, 01.07.2024 (NIAT Khovar) — In an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics, the partnership between Tajikistan and China stands as a model of mutually beneficial cooperation. This Central Asian state and the world major power, forging a relationship that transcends economic interests, provides an example of how nations with different histories, cultures, and political systems can work together.

Diversity in Unity

Tajikistan and China – two ancient civilizations. The Tajiks are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Central Asia, having formed as a people 4,000 years ago, although their origins are linked to the Neolithic period, which began in the 7th millennium BC.

In turn, China boasts over 5,000 years of history and is the world’s second-largest economy.

In 1991, the Republic of Tajikistan gained state independence, and China, as a friendly neighboring country, was among the first to recognize this sovereignty.

Economic and trade cooperation is always the most important driving force behind the bilateral relations between the two countries. For Tajikistan, a country rich in its natural resources but grappling with economic challenges, China represents an reliable partner for infrastructure projects, trade, and investment.

The share of mutual trade between Tajikistan and China in the total trade turnover of the Republic of Tajikistan for January-March 2024 was 19.9%, making it the third largest. During this period, goods and products worth 73.3 million dollars were exported to the People’s Republic of China. Imports amounted to 347.9 million dollars, an increase of 104.9 million dollars, or 43.2%, compared to the same period in 2023.

No discussion of China-Tajikistan cooperation would be complete without highlighting the role of the Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed by President Xi Jinping and firmly supported and actively engaged by Tajikistan .

Notable projects include the renovation of the Dushanbe-Chanak highway. Beyond infrastructure, Chinese engagement extends to sectors like education, and culture. Chinese Universities have established vocational training centers, known as Luban Workshops, to equip Tajik students and workers with valuable technical skills.

The establishment of Confucius Institutes in Tajik universities has facilitated the learning of Chinese language and culture, fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

A high level of Strategic Mutual Trust

China and Tajikistan have firmly supported each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, which demonstrates a high level of strategic mutual trust.

Regional security and stability is another key shared commitment that enables and supports the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

In multiple international occasions, such as at the United Nations’ level, at the SCO, CICA, and the C+C5 framework, both sides have deepened security cooperation and jointly safeguard regional security and stability.

Adversity Tests the Sincerity of Friends

The partnership built by the two countries was full manifested during the the pandemic. In early February 2020, China was in critical battle against the covid-19. Despite medical supplies were scarce and production capacity limited domestically, the Tajikistan government offered a hand, donating 400,000 medical masks to Wuhan. Tajikistan also prepared to provide fresh fruits and drinking water if needed.

In return, when Tajikistan faced its own severe epidemic challenges and shortages of medical supplies, China promptly provided critical assistance., like medical supplies, sharing epidemic prevention experiences via video conference. China also provided support to the best of its ability, including fully promoting the acceleration of resumption of major projects such as the Tajikistan government and parliamentary buildings to ease Tajikistan’s employment pressure caused by the pandemic. The «brotherly feelings» between China and Tajikistan became even more solid and shining under the test of the epidemic.

Over the 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations between the two countries have developed positively, healthily and steadily, achieving fruitful achievements in many fields. Both countries’ efforts are aimed at further strengthening mutual understanding and friendship, creating favorable conditions for sustainable development and regional prosperity. These relations exemplify a successful partnership based on mutual respect and benefit, which is especially important in the face of global challenges and changes and serves as a significant example in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The People’s Republic of China is the largest investor in the economy of Tajikistan and the country’s main trading partner. Through their cooperation, the countries are implementing a number of large-scale joint projects, making significant contributions to the realization of Tajikistan’s four national strategic goals: achieving energy independence, overcoming communication barriers, ensuring food security, and accelerating the country’s industrialization.

Examples of such successful cooperation include the Dushanbe-2 Thermal Power Plant, invested in and built by TBEA, the Zhongtai Agricultural Textile Industrial Park, and the Huaxin Gayur Cement joint venture. Furthermore, new achievements have been made with the grant assistance of the Chinese Government — the construction of the Government and Parliament buildings of Tajikistan, as well as sections of the «Kalai-Khumb – Vanj – Rushan» highway.

In summary, it is worth noting that the upcoming state visit of the esteemed President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to the Republic of Tajikistan will give a new impetus to the relations between the two countries.

Lailo TOIRI (Khovar),
Zhang NINI and Wang XINYI (CGTN)