Beloved fruit carries on Silk Road connections between China, Central Asia

The delicious pomegranate has remained a steadfast part of the age-old ties between China and Central Asia even as the friendship enters a new era, with new seeds being planted in modern diplomacy, trade and a shared vision for the future.

Xi'an in northwest China is where the ancient Silk Road began its journey. Once the heart of trade, culture, and philosophy, the city remains a vital symbol of the longstanding ties between China and Central Asia.

Over two thousand years ago, Chinese envoy Zhang Qian set out on a journey that would reshape history and open the gates to the West. Zhang ventured deep into Central Asia, crossing deserts, mountains, and foreign lands.

Among the precious gifts he brought back to China were the seeds of pomegranate, which over time came to represent more than just food to the Chinese people.

"In the eyes of people in the Tang Dynasty, the pomegranate motif symbolized not only the blessing of having many children and abundant fortune, but also wishes for a prosperous family line. In front of us is a gilded silver box adorned with a pomegranate flower design. The craftsman integrated traditional Chinese floral patterns with Western-style pomegranate motifs, making this artifact a testament to the cultural exchange between China and the West," said Jia Xuchen, a docent at the Shaanxi History Museum.

In a powerful gesture of unity, Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Central Asia gathered to plant pomegranate trees two years ago in Xi'an. The trees are living symbols of the region’s commitment to peace and prosperity.

From the bustling markets of ancient times to the modern highways and railways connecting China and Central Asia today, Xi'an has always been a point of connection.

In the heart of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, the future of Central Asia's collaboration with China is taking shape. The modern city is a testament to the transformation that the capital of Kazakhstan has undergone.

Astana is home to many cooperative projects, from energy pipelines to transportation networks, and has been a leading force in advancing connectivity and regional stability.

The China-Kazakhstan Khorgos Gateway, one of the largest dry ports in Central Asia, exemplifies the region's growing role in global trade. Kazakhstan plays a critical role in this partnership, serving as a key transit hub in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In recent years, bilateral trade has surged, reaching over 13.5 billion US dollars in the first half of 2024.

Beloved fruit carries on Silk Road connections between China, Central Asia

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the situation in Iran is "under total control" following violence linked to protests that spiked over the weekend.

Addressing foreign diplomats in Tehran, the foreign minister noted that armed terrorist groups had infiltrated the protests, attempting to divert them from their legitimate course. He claimed that evidence has been gathered showing Iranian security forces being shot at, with the aim of causing further casualties. He accused the United States and Israel of exploiting the unrest to interfere in Iran's internal affairs.

Araghchi further stated that the government is closely monitoring developments on the streets, emphasizing that "the situation has come under control." He also affirmed that internet services, curtailed during the unrest, would be restored after coordination with security agencies.

The government has engaged in dialogue with merchants and protest representatives and initiated reforms to address grievances related to price hikes and currency depreciation. Iran has taken a series of actions and measures to respond to the demands of peaceful demonstrators, the foreign minister said.

Earlier on Sunday, Araghchi said that clear evidence links recent riots and vandalism of public facilities in Iran to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. This came after former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned Mossad agents operating on Iran's streets in a social media post. The Iranian foreign minister asserted that police are being attacked by "terrorists" acting under the direction of Israeli operatives, whom Pompeo publicly acknowledged.

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 U.S. sanctions.

Iranian foreign minister says situation "fully under control," accuses Israeli intelligence of stoking unrest