China's top diplomat holds talks with Kazakhstan's FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev in Beijing on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is about to visit China to attend the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, while the two heads of state will conduct in-depth strategic communication, injecting new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.

China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue the generational friendship, enhance people's well-being, consolidate strategic mutual trust, and jointly seek development and rejuvenation, Wang said.

Noting that China firmly supports Kazakhstan in embarking on a successful development path that suits its national conditions and is supported by its people, Wang said China is willing to promote all-round practical cooperation with Kazakhstan and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang said China welcomes Kazakhstan's accession to the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), commends the constructive role Kazakhstan has played on multilateral platforms, and stands ready to join hands with Kazakhstan to safeguard international fairness and justice.

Kosherbayev expressed congratulations regarding the 105th founding anniversary of the CPC, while also saying that the profound friendship and close exchanges between the two heads of state are the greatest guarantee for the high-level development of bilateral ties.

Kazakhstan pursues an independent foreign policy and has always prioritized cooperation with China, Kosherbayev said, adding that the mutual trust and friendship between Kazakhstan and China will not be affected by any third party.

Kosherbayev said Kazakhstan firmly abides by the one-China principle, steadfastly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, and is ready to deepen cooperation with China in various fields and closely collaborate in international and regional affairs.

After the talks, Kosherbayev signed up to join the IOMed Convention on behalf of the government of Kazakhstan.

Nine European countries and Ukraine on Monday established an anti-ballistic missile coalition to strengthen Europe's capabilities against ballistic missile threats.

According to a joint declaration released by the French presidency, the leaders of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Britain and Ukraine announced the creation of the "purely defensive" Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, citing the growing threat posed by such weapons and the increasing importance of defense capabilities for Europe's security.

The declaration said protecting Europe requires an integrated missile defense architecture to deter and counter future missile threats.

The announcement came as French President Emmanuel Macron hosted leaders of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Monday to discuss strengthening military support for Ukraine, particularly in air defense.