Ties between Tajikistan and China have been highlighted as local people warmly welcomed a reporting team from the China Global Television Network (CGTN) who are embarking on a tour of the Central Asian country.
It comes as part of a special series titled "Central Asia Expedition", where a simple meal shared at a roadside bazaar in Tajikistan opened a window into the transformative connections between the two nations.
CGTN reporter Chen Yilin, who is heading up the expedition, said her initial impression of Tajikistan was the overwhelming warmth and hospitality of its people.
During a visit to a local bazaar, Chen was welcomed by a group of friendly locals who invited her to join for lunch as they shared stories of how Chinese investment has helped transform their lives.
The group spoke of the significant benefits brought by a major highway rehabilitation project in the country that has been supported by China since 2006.
"Before this, we had to go around the mountain, but now we can go through the tunnel. What used to take six hours now takes just three," one local explained.
The road has not only shortened travel time but has also opened up new economic opportunities for locals. Since its completion, an increase in traffic has helped boost local businesses, including those at the bazaar.
"This road brings benefits for our children, our fathers, and our mothers. For the development, for the help, we are very grateful to China," said a local vendor.
Given the strong ties between the two sides which saw two-way trade hit close to 4 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, many Tajiks are keen to see the partnership with China grow stronger.
"I hope to visit China one day, maybe even travel there on this very highway," said one local.
The multinational reporting initiative was launched in the Tajik capital Dushanbe in late May and has brought together CGTN and five Central Asian state media outlets to document the flourishing cooperation between China and the region.
The two-week tour will see reporters traverse Central Asia to showcase the achievements and future potential of China-Central Asia collaboration across various fields including infrastructure, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Shared meal sparks stories of life-changing connections between Tajikistan, China
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
