VOA Asia

“We recognize the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and consider the breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk to be Ukrainian territory, he said. Yet, he added, Tashkent values its deep political and economic ties with Russia.

Kamilov echoed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s insistence that Uzbekistan will not join military blocs or deploy its forces abroad. Others in Mirziyoyev’s administration say Tashkent’s “stand on the war is firm” and that neutrality is its mantra. Any mention of the war brings a reminder of the nation’s neutrality.

U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Daniel Rosenblum said Washington understands why Tashkent will not explicitly denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression.

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Fear of Russia Drives Central Asian Response to Ukraine War Despite unhappiness over Moscow’s unprovoked aggression, region maintains careful neutrality, keeps tight rein on media

According to the report, Raisi told China’s Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe that Tehran sees its ties with Beijing as strategic. Closer cooperation would serve to confront what the Iranian president described as U.S. unilateralism as talks to revive Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers have stalled.

“Confronting unilateralism and creating stability and order is possible through cooperation of independent and like-minded powers,” Raisi was quoted as saying.

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Iran Seeks to Expand Its Military Cooperation With China Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed Tehran desire for closer cooperation with Beijing in remarks he made during a visit by the Chinese defense minister, state media reported

Chinese lending in 2020 fell to $1.9 billion, the study released this week showed, with only 11 new loan commitments recorded. That's compared to the 32 loans signed in 2019 worth some $8.2 billion.

"As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on livelihoods within China and the debt position of some African countries, shifts in financing types and sources are expected for future Chinese financing to Africa," the report said.

China is sub-Saharan Africa's biggest single creditor and, in the two decades since 2000, has signed 1,188 loans worth $160 billion with 49 African governments, state-owned enterprises and regional organizations.

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Chinese Lending to Africa Falls During First Year of Pandemic The loans to Africa dropped sharply in 2020, a new study has found, but are expected to pick up post-pandemic