Beijing and Dushanbe have security concerns about the increasing activities of radical Islamists, which pose a threat to both nations
Dushanbe
The government of Tajikistan has submitted an agreement with the Chinese government on conducting joint anti-terrorism exercises for ratification. This document was signed following the May summit in Xi’an and has already been approved by Tajikistan’s Cabinet of Ministers. It now awaits approval from the parliament and the country’s president.
The agreement stipulates that Dushanbe and Beijing will organize exercises at least once every two years, with each party independently covering the associated costs.
The agreement is set for a duration of five years and will automatically renew unless one of the parties terminates it at least three months before its expiration.
China and Tajikistan have conducted anti-terrorism exercises in 2006, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
In 2016, the Four-Party Mechanism for Cooperation and Coordination in the ‘Fight Against Terrorism’ was initiated, bringing together China, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Beijing and Dushanbe also collaborate in other areas aimed at enhancing security in Central Asia and Eurasia as a whole. Both countries are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and participate in its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). They are also involved in the Moscow format events related to Afghanistan, with the goal of ensuring stability in the country.
Experts note that Beijing seeks to cooperate with Dushanbe in the realm of security due to concerns about the increasing activities of radical Islamists, which pose a threat to both nations.
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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on October 16, 2023)
