Chinese President Xi Jinping called for jointly advancing China-Turkmenistan relations when meeting with the visiting National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Beijing on Wednesday.
During their meeting, Xi extended a warm welcome to Berdimuhamedov, who arrived in the Chinese capital on the previous day to begin a three-day goodwill visit, and noted the special significance this year holds to both countries. "This year is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese traditional calendar, and also the year of 'the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses' in Turkmenistan. At the beginning of this Year of the Horse, I am willing to map out plans for cooperation with you to drive China-Turkmenistan relations forward like an Akhal-Teke horse, galloping relentlessly and always leading the way," Xi said.
The Akhal-Teke is a rare horse breed famed for its speed and endurance and is considered a national treasure of Turkmenistan.
Xi calls for advancing China-Turkmenistan relations
Xi calls for advancing China-Turkmenistan relations
Taiwan compatriots are family and the motherland will spare no efforts to ensure their safety, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said at a press briefing on Wednesday, while condemning the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for their despicable political smears and manipulation.
Jiang was responding to media queries about recent hostile comments from the DPP authorities distorting the mainland's emergency evacuation support for Taiwan compatriots stranded in overseas conflict zones.
"War knows no mercy, yet the motherland offers boundless love. Taiwan compatriots are our family bound by blood. At every moment of crisis and in every emergency evacuation operation, we have gone all out to keep our compatriots safe and bring them home. This is the profound care the motherland extends to every Chinese citizen, and a consistent practice of our abiding principle of putting the people and their lives first," Jiang said.
"Instead of showing any regard for the safety of Taiwan residents and taking action to help stranded Taiwan compatriots escape the ravages of war, the DPP authorities have obstructed them from accepting mainland evacuation assistance. The DPP authorities have even seized the opportunity to seek selfish political gains and relentlessly pursued Taiwan secession through military buildup. Such actions, which show a complete lack of conscience and humanity, are despicable and will surely be condemned by all," he added.
Chinese mainland vows to safeguard safety of Taiwan compatriots, slams DPP's despicable smears
