“No one enters uncontrollably”
In the Chui region, there was an incident involving Chinese citizens that caused public discontent. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeenbek Kulubaev, commented on the situation in an interview with KNAI "Kabar".
According to the minister, a road conflict between a Chinese truck driver and a citizen of Kyrgyzstan led to a quarrel. Currently, law enforcement agencies are investigating this incident and will provide a legal assessment of what happened.
Kulubaev noted that the number of Chinese citizens in Kyrgyzstan has increased compared to previous years.
“At the moment, the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is actively underway, within which Chinese specialists are working using modern technologies. We are also developing domestic railway lines,” he added.
The minister emphasized that the implementation of such a large-scale project is impossible without the involvement of foreign specialists. “For thirty years, this project has been discussed, but no president has been able to implement it,” Kulubaev stated.
He also mentioned the difficulties related to the lack of direct access to international roads, which forces the use of routes through Kazakhstan. “We practically live ‘like in a cave’. Closing the border even for a short time leads to traffic jams for our trucks,” the minister explained.
After the railway construction is completed, an alternative route will become available, which will open access to European countries and seaports, positively impacting the development of Kyrgyzstan's economy.
“We should not succumb to provocative statements that contribute to the rise of anti-Chinese sentiments,” the minister urged.
Kulubaev also clarified that Chinese citizens in the country are there on work visas. “There is no uncontrolled entry. We have a visa regime: upon expiration of the visa, they are obliged to leave the country. Those who violate the deadlines are identified during raids and deported,” he noted.
The minister provided an example: “The Balykchy-Barskoon road was not completed by local companies in four years, and we had to involve Chinese firms to speed up the work. After the construction is completed, all specialists will return home.”
Kulubaev addressed the citizens, especially those who unjustifiably fear that “the Chinese will overwhelm us.” “Attracting foreign labor is a practice used worldwide. We all want the development of our country,” he added.
“Let’s maintain patience. China does not owe us; we need their help. If conflicts arise, they should be resolved calmly and legally. For example, the described case occurred due to a road dispute and could have been resolved without violence,” the minister concluded.
He also noted the necessity for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the embassy to conduct explanatory work with their citizens about the importance of adhering to laws and respecting local residents.
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