6th China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Almaty

ALMATY -- The sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting held here on Saturday laid the comprehensive political groundwork for the upcoming second China-Central Asia Summit later this year and facilitated in-depth discussions on advancing China-Central Asia cooperation in all aspects.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the United States, acting unilaterally, has imposed arbitrary tariffs on more than 180 countries, infringing upon their legitimate rights and interests. China has stepped forward and taken necessary countermeasures, not only to defend its own legitimate rights and interests, but also to safeguard international rules and order as well as international fairness and justice.

As the world's second-largest economy and a responsible major country, China will unswervingly advance high-level opening-up, seek common development with neighboring countries, share opportunities with the world, shoulder its due international responsibilities and fulfill its international obligations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, put forward five proposals from the Chinese side for deepening China-Central Asia cooperation.

First, be firm in upholding good faith and fostering harmony. Second, stick to mutually beneficial cooperation. Third, continue to advance institutional development. Fourth, adhere to fairness and justice. Fifth, be firm in friendship for generations.

The attending foreign ministers from Central Asian countries said that each country is ready to strengthen the synergy between their national development strategies and the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, and transnational crime, so as to maintain regional peace and stability.

All sides agreed that China serves as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world, and has demonstrated leadership in supporting multilateralism. They also expressed support for international trade rules and their rejection of unilateral protectionist practices.