Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Kazakhstan's capital city of Astana on Monday to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.

After Xi's plane entered Kazakh airspace, fighter jets of Kazakhstan's air defense forces took off to escort it.

Upon his arrival at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, Xi was welcomed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other senior officials at the airport.

Kazakh teenagers and children, holding the national flags of China and Kazakhstan, warmly welcomed Xi's visit.

Accompanied by Tokayev, Xi watched the march-past performed by the guard of honor, as helicopters bearing the flags of both countries flew over the airport.

Inside the airport VIP lounge, the two heads of state also enjoyed performances by Kazakh teenagers and children.

Xi's entourage, including Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister, arrived on the same plane.

China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin also came to the airport to greet Xi upon his arrival.

As Xi's motorcade made its way from the airport to the hotel, representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises and Chinese students gathered at the roadsides and warmly welcomed the Chinese president, waving national flags of China and Kazakhstan and holding red banners with warm messages.

Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Xi arrives in Astana for second China-Central Asia Summit

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked