The visit to Central Asia by Chinese President Xi Jinping for a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and state visits has successfully enhanced strategic trust, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi briefed the media in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, on Saturday.
Xi returned to Beijing on Saturday afternoon after attending the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and paid state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Wang noted that President Xi delivered a significant speech at the SCO summit and the SCO Plus meeting, urging member states to embrace the "Shanghai Spirit".
Xi outlined three critical areas for the SCO: safeguarding security, protecting development rights, and consolidating unity, said the foreign minister.
The president also emphasized building a community with a shared future, and proposed initiatives to enhance cooperation, said Wang.
The summit adopted the "Astana Declaration", along with 26 outcome documents covering a wide range of areas such as economy, finance, security, culture, and institutional development.
This was Xi's fifth trip to Kazakhstan. President Xi and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed their commitment to building a community with a shared future. During the visit, both leaders signed a joint statement and witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements. They attended the inauguration ceremony for the cultural centers of both countries and the Kazakhstan branch of the Beijing Language and Culture University.
During Xi's visit to Tajikistan, the two nations announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, reflecting their commitment to mutual support and cooperation. President Xi and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also participated in significant events, including the opening of Chinese-aided government buildings in Tajikistan and the awarding of the Friendship Medal to President Rahmon.
During the SCO summit, President Xi met with several foreign leaders, including Russian President Putin, promoting China's achievements and advocating for global cooperation.
Leaders praised China's contributions to global peace and development, expressing support for China's stance on various international issues.
Xi's visit to Central Asia successfully enhances strategic trust: Chinese FM
An increasing influx of elderly overseas travelers now choose to spend some of their post-retirement time traveling in China as the country keeps improving its visa policies and tourism services.
With more elderly travelers coming to China from abroad, the country's inbound tourism market has experienced significant growth. In the first seven months of this year, the country received about six million visits from foreign travelers, marking an over-400-percent increase year on year, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.
Six Dutch tourists recently visited Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to see the terracotta warriors at the site of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum.
They are all above the age of 60 and most of them came to China for the very first time. Wilco Poppeliers, one of the travelers, said he has long been expecting this travel and he could only make it after his retirement.
"I think it was very [much] on my bucket list still to visit China. Now I'm retired, I have the time to travel to visit places like this," he said.
For elderly couples from Mongolia, Chinese destinations also maintained strong attraction. Altogether 12 of them have an average age of about 60, with the oldest already 88.
"China is just next to Mongolia. I have visited many places in China like Wutaishan, Zhangjiajie, Hohhot, and Beijing. China has been developing very fast," said one of the tourists.
Along the Lijiang River, famous for its karst landscapes, some 30 overseas tourists recently visited the riverside Moya cliff sculptures and inscription.
The elders said they have been traveling around China before arriving at the cliff site in the southern city of Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
"We have traveled around the country and visited a wide range of cities. The travels were very smooth and convenient," said Marcia Akemi Fujinami, a visitor from Brazil.
The rich cultural heritage is what attracts him to China, said Fabrizio, an Italian tourist, adding that visiting the country has been easier as now there are many flights between Europe and China.
"Traveling to China is nowadays quite simple. There are a lot of flights coming from Europe. China is one of the countries with the largest number of UNESCO heritage places in the world. So we are very happy about visiting this country," he said.
China has been promoting inbound travels by accelerating the resumption of flights and improving tourism services for travelers from abroad. Scenic spots across the country have also been facilitating visits for international tourists while enhancing the quality of their products.
With improved visa policies, customs clearance policies, and more payment options, including cash payment, QR code and bank cards, overseas visitors can now enter and enjoy better services in China.
China sees increasing elderly overseas tourists following improved policies, services
