China, Tajikistan agree to further promote cooperation in various fields: spokesman

China and Tajikistan have agreed to promote cooperation between the two countries in various fields, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday, in commenting on Foreign Minister's Wang Yi's just-concluded visit to Tajikistan.

Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, arrived in Tajikistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.

During his visit, Wang met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Saturday, with both sides pledging to expand bilateral cooperation in various areas.

"At the invitation of Tajik Foreign Minister Muhriddin, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, paid an official visit to Tajikistan. During the visit, Tajik President Rahmon met with the Chinese foreign minister, Wang held talks with Muhriddin and signed cooperation documents between the two foreign ministries and jointly met the press," said Wang Wenbin, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.

"During the talks and meetings, Wang said that no matter how the international situation changes, China will always be a trustworthy friend and partner to Tajikistan. China is ready to work with Tajikistan to further promote the scale of trade, tap the potential of connectivity in an in-depth way, advance cooperation in mineral resources, expand new energy, green transition and other emerging areas of cooperation, help Tajikistan speed up the process of industrialization, raise the level of economic and social development, and embark on a successful path of development and revitalization so as to bring tangible benefits to the Tajik people," said the spokesman.

During the meetings, Rahmon said that the Tajik side firmly upholds the one-China principle and holds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

"The Tajik side said that China is an important strategic partner to Tajikistan and promoting relations with China is a priority of Tajikistan's foreign policy. The Tajik side will, as always, unswervingly adhere to the one-China principle, regard Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory, oppose Taiwan independence in any form and support all efforts made by the Chinese government to realize national reunification," said the spokesman.

"The two sides unanimously agreed that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Rahmon, China and Tajikistan, in the spirit of good-neighborliness and friendship, have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries have also followed the trend of the times by announcing the establishment of a China-Tajikistan community of security and development, and on this basis agreed to build a China-Tajikistan community with a shared future, which has embarked on a path of getting along with neighboring countries based on mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win outcome, and set a fine example for the development of state-to-state relations," he said.

China, Tajikistan agree to further promote cooperation in various fields: spokesman

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth