Central Asian Media: China to Provide Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Equipment to Tajikistan
Under a aid program approved by the governments of both countries, China will provide intelligence, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism equipment valued at over $7.6 million to Tajikistan.
The corresponding memorandum of understanding was signed by the two governments on May 8. The agreement stipulates that China will transfer the required equipment to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the terms of the agreement, China will deliver 34 sets of intelligence equipment along with additional law enforcement and counter-terrorism equipment. It is expected that this shipment will enter Tajikistan via the Karasu border crossing.
China will also dispatch eight experts to Tajikistan to oversee the installation and commissioning of the equipment, as well as conduct training for Tajik personnel. Their mission is expected to last 45 days.
The total value of the equipment and services amounts to 52 million RMB, approximately $7.64 million. All related costs will be borne by China.
Tajikistan will be responsible for customs clearance, transportation, and warehousing of the equipment upon arrival. Authorities will also waive taxes and tariffs on the delivered equipment and provide necessary conditions for Chinese experts, including visas, accommodation, and security arrangements.
A special working group will be established by both sides to coordinate with Chinese engineers during equipment installation and personnel training.
The document also emphasizes that after delivery, both parties will jointly inspect the quality, quantity, and technical specifications of the equipment before signing an official acceptance certificate. Future operational and maintenance costs will be covered by Tajikistan.
China remains one of Tajikistan’s major strategic partners. Following President Emomali Rahmon’s recent state visit to China, Tajik officials stated that more than 80 cooperation documents were signed through high-level talks and business meetings; meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry separately mentioned over a dozen national-level cooperation agreements.
Previously, the Tajik Parliament had also approved a deal under which China would fund the construction of nine border facilities along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border region.
This new assistance comes amid growing international scrutiny of China’s expanding influence in Tajikistan’s security domain. Reports and speculation about possible Chinese military installations in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan region have surfaced periodically, such as in 2021 and 2024.
However, both Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have denied the presence of any Chinese military bases within Tajikistan.
Source: Central Asian Times
Author: Vaghit Ismailov
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865981490182144/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.