Reuters reported Monday, citing Xinhua, that Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for closer security and intelligence cooperation with Tajikistan.
Xinhua said Li raised the proposals with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. He called for the countries to work together against terrorism, separatism and extremism. Li also urged Tajikistan to take “strong measures” to protect Chinese citizens.
Separately, authorities said Afghanistan was the origin of attacks in Tajikistan that killed five Chinese nationals late last year, Reuters reported.
Reuters said Beijing views instability across Central Asia as a potential security concern for Xinjiang, home to mostly Muslim Uyghurs. China has blamed Uyghur militants for past attacks there. Human rights groups say Beijing has curtailed Uyghurs’ religious, cultural and linguistic rights; China denies abuses.
