Xi Jinping Supports Kazakhstan Crackdown on Protesters... "Will Provide Support if Necessary"

Xi Jinping Presiding Over the Politburo Meeting of the Communist Party of China
(Beijing Xinhua=Yonhap News) Chinese President Xi Jinping is presiding over the Politburo meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party in Beijing on the 28th. 2021.12.29
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[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Junhyung] Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for the Kazakhstani government's suppression of anti-government protests.

On the 7th (local time), according to China's state-run CCTV, President Xi conveyed in a verbal message to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, "I sincerely express my condolences for the significant casualties and property damage caused by the large-scale disturbances." President Xi stated, "Your firm and strong measures taken at a critical time to swiftly resolve the situation embody the responsibility and duty of a politician and demonstrate a highly responsible stance toward the country and its people." China and Kazakhstan maintain a friendly relationship as members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

President Xi emphasized, "China firmly opposes any forces that destroy Kazakhstan's stability, threaten its security, and disrupt the peaceful lives of the Kazakh people." He added, "We resolutely oppose external forces inciting unrest in Kazakhstan and plotting 'color revolutions,' as well as any attempts to undermine the friendship between China and Kazakhstan and obstruct bilateral cooperation."

Furthermore, President Xi said, "As brothers, neighbors, and eternal strategic partners, China wants to do everything possible to provide the necessary support and assistance to help Kazakhstan overcome difficulties." He continued, "China is a reliable friend and dependable partner of Kazakhstan, and the Chinese people will always stand with the Kazakh people."

Armored Vehicles Deployed on Streets of Almaty Amid Protest Spread
(Almaty Reuters=Yonhap News) Armored vehicles were deployed near the city hall in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, on the 5th (local time) amid large-scale protests against rising prices, including fuel costs. 2022.1.5
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Earlier, on the 2nd of this month, anti-government protests broke out in Kazakhstan following a sharp rise in fuel prices. As the protests spread, violent incidents occurred nationwide. Dozens of protesters died due to the harsh crackdown, including shootings by military and police forces.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeeping forces, a security alliance of former Soviet states, were deployed to suppress the protests. According to the Kazakh presidential administration, the CSTO peacekeepers, unlike Kazakh special forces, do not participate in counter-terrorism operations but only perform security duties at key national facilities. The CSTO peacekeepers dispatched to Kazakhstan include soldiers from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Russia, the leading CSTO member, reportedly sent airborne troops.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.