Photo:VCG

China firmly supports Kazakhstan's move to end violence in the country and safeguard security, and is willing to jointly oppose interference and infiltration by any external forces, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone call with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi on Monday.

Wang said that the phone call is to reiterate that as a permanent comprehensive strategic partner of Kazakhstan, China is ready to express firm support for Kazakhstan's efforts to maintain stability and end violence at this critical moment for Kazakhstan's future and destiny.

The number of people arrested by security forces during the violent anti-government protests in Kazakhstan has reached 7,939, the Interior Ministry announced on Monday, including the country's former intelligence chief.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a verbal message to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the recent large-scale riots in Kazakhstan.

Xi said China strongly rejects any attempt by external forces to provoke unrest and instigate "color revolution" in Kazakhstan, as well as any attempt to harm the friendship between China and Kazakhstan and disrupt the two countries' cooperation. China is ready to provide necessary support to help Kazakhstan overcome the difficulties, Xi said.

Tileuberdi thanked President Xi for his important message to President Tokayev at the critical moment of Kazakhstan and taking the lead in expressing support to President Tokayev and the Kazakh people. 

Monday was the day of national mourning in Kazakhstan. The phone call from the Chinese Foreign Minister on this day once again demonstrates China's firm support and brotherly friendship with Kazakhstan, Tileuberdi said in the call.

Wang said the sudden unrest in Kazakhstan shows that the situation in Central Asia still faces severe challenges and proves once again that some external forces do not want peace and tranquility in the region. He also stressed China will ensure the safety and smooth operation of major China-Kazakhstan joint projects, and China believes that Kazakhstan will earnestly safeguard the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in the country.

Wang also welcomed President Tokayev to attend the upcoming opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, and said China will ensure the visit to the Games is safe, smooth and a complete success. Tileuberdi said that the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympic Games is a world grand event with international influence and important symbolic significance, which will promote world peace and cooperation and enhance mutual understanding among people of all countries. Kazakhstan will work with China to make relevant preparations, he said.

Global Times