In his commentary for IA "Kabar," security expert Edil Marlis uulu analyzed current trends on social media, where a multitude of provocative statements regarding interethnic relations emerged following a domestic incident. The former law enforcement officer assessed recent events in terms of destabilization opportunities and their potential consequences.
“If you look at the map, you can see that China is our closest neighbor. With a sober view of the historical events of recent decades, it should be understood that the PRC does not pose a threat to us; on the contrary, Kyrgyzstan is a beneficiary of this cooperation.
China is one of the largest economies in the world, and we must effectively utilize this opportunity. Cooperation with China is based on the fact that we are an independent state, and our partners respect our national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
We have our own legislation, and any violation of the law, regardless of who commits it, will be prosecuted. Whether it is Chinese workers or our citizens, everyone is equal before the law. This is a common practice in any state.
In the situation currently being discussed, which is actively raised on social media, there is a noticeable provocative element. There is a deliberate incitement of interethnic tension aimed at creating conflict between Kyrgyzstan and China. Fakes and panic sentiments are being spread, and a large-scale information campaign is underway. Who could benefit from this?
I believe that law enforcement agencies should investigate this incident and punish those responsible. This should be the end of it. However, some groups are using the current situation to incite anti-Chinese sentiments. Individuals engaging in such actions should be held accountable. Regardless of who they direct their nationalist attacks against—Chinese, Turks, or Americans—such provocations must be stopped. They are enemies of their own people, wishing only to destabilize stability.”
Those who fall under the influence of such provocations are urged to consider that they are being manipulated to undermine their own state. The forces that incite tension in society must be exposed. I hope that security agencies are monitoring them, and it is also important to clearly identify them so that the population understands who is behind these intrigues.
It is worth noting that provocations not only create tension ahead of parliamentary elections but are also aimed at disrupting the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which negatively affects relations with the PRC. Clearly, the goal is to undermine trade ties and complicate the implementation of infrastructure projects, which could lead to the economic isolation of our country. This is an attempt to weaken us through conflicts with neighbors and internal contradictions.
What will the consequences be? Every Kyrgyz knows the answer to this question. Therefore, before expressing opinions about the presence of foreign workers, it is worth considering the scenario into which we are being drawn. We may be deprived of a future, as well as the opportunity to build a stable and strong state that we strive to create,” concluded Edil Marlis uulu.
