Source: Global Times
Sputnik News Agency reported on April 22 that the original title is "All Roads Lead to China, the Reasons Why Baku Is Approaching Beijing". Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in China on April 22 to begin a state visit. Before his departure, he listed the directions and priorities of bilateral relations during an interview. President Aliyev stated that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China is based on the fundamental principles of mutual respect, equality, trust, mutual support, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
It is worth noting that data released by the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan show that economic relations between Azerbaijan and China are developing rapidly. Azerbaijan is expanding its cooperation with China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Baku insists on opening the Zangezur Corridor, which can become part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The railway through this region can transport Chinese goods to the West, saving transportation time. From this perspective, it can be foreseen that China will participate more in the South Caucasus process and expand its influence in the future.
Azerbaijani political scientist Gumbaratov said that President Aliyev's visit to China has significant military, political, and economic implications. "Deepening relations with China can create great opportunities for Azerbaijan. From the strategic position of Azerbaijan in the future world order, this is an important visit. The South Caucasus is one of the regions of interest to China. The Belt and Road Initiative launched by China is unfolding in Azerbaijan. China is a force of stability worldwide, and the South Caucasus region can benefit from it."
Azerbaijani MP Zakhir Oruj said that the President's visit to China is part of the construction of a new security architecture in the South Caucasus. "As our bilateral relations develop, not only the Zangezur Corridor but also the scale of operations along the Middle Corridor will expand. Azerbaijan hopes to change the power dynamics that emerged in the region after the Cold War. The Joint Declaration signed by Azerbaijan and China on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership plays a crucial role in all these processes."
Oruj said that against the backdrop of the European-Atlantic space dominating the international relations system, it seems as if the fate of the world is decided by the West, but this is not the case. "Azerbaijan does not agree with this stance. We do not rely on any military-political alliance. As a country playing a leading role in the Global South, China adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and ensures regional security when implementing its own projects. Azerbaijan does not solely depend on its relations with the EU and the West. We believe that the President's visit to China will be a significant driving force for building a new relationship system in the region. This will strengthen the economic and political relations between the two countries." (Translated by Liu Yupeng)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496639099965669926/
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