Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe

China firmly opposes external forces deliberately instigating a "color revolution" in Kazakhstan, and calls for vigilance about certain major powers interfering in Central Asia to disrupt and undermine regional security, said Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe during his visit to Nur-Sultan in meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan and China will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, and over the past three decades, the two countries have become permanent strategic partners and cooperated in various areas with remarkable results.

Recalling his frequent interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in recent years, The Kazakh President said it has injected strong impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the military cooperation with China and hopes that the two countries' militaries will continue to strengthen practical cooperation in peacekeeping operations, joint exercises, personnel training, military technology and other fields.

Wei responded that Tokayev, as an old friend of the Chinese people, has made outstanding contributions to the establishment and development of the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Bilateral relations have maintained a momentum of vigorous development and enjoy a very bright future, setting a good example of neighborly friendship and mutual benefit. 

China firmly opposes external forces deliberately instigating a "color revolution" in Kazakhstan and backs the Kazakh side in taking strong measures to safeguard national security and social stability, Wei noted.

Wei said his visit demonstrated that China attaches great significance to and firmly supports Kazakhstan, noting that no matter what risks and challenges the two countries may encounter, they will jointly maintain regional stability and push ahead with the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Chinese military is willing to continue to expand cooperation with the Kazakh side and deepen military relations, Wei added. 

Rare protests reached Kazakh's biggest city Almaty this January which later turned violent, stirring social turmoil unseen in decades in the Central Asian country. The Kazakh President declared a two-week state of emergency, and claimed that the violent demonstrations were an "attempted coup d'état" by "armed fighters."

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged China's firm support to Kazakhstan in ending violence in the country and safeguarding security, stressing China's willingness to jointly oppose interference and infiltration by any external force.

Global Times