APA News Agency conducted an interview with Lu Mei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan.
Here is the full text of the interview:
I congratulate Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of WUF13
APA: How does China assess the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) hosted by Azerbaijan? What initiatives and specific projects were presented by the Chinese delegation at WUF13?
Ambassador Lu Mei: I would like to congratulate Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum. It is noteworthy that this was the first time the forum was held in the South Caucasus region. The event set a number of historical records and became the largest and highest-level forum in the history of the World Urban Forum. These achievements fully reflect Azerbaijan’s growing national strength and international influence under the wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
Demonstrating the great importance China attached to the forum in Azerbaijan, the Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Vice Premier of the State Council of China, Zhang Guoqing, attended the Leaders’ Summit held within the framework of the forum. In his address, Vice Premier Zhang conveyed President Xi Jinping’s best wishes to the Azerbaijani side on the occasion of the summit and expressed China’s readiness to work with all parties to jointly implement the four major global initiatives, place greater emphasis on creating comfortable and safe urban living environments, enhance smart and refined urban governance, strengthen dialogue and exchanges among cities, implement joint projects, and deepen cultural cooperation in order to build better cities together.
During the forum, the China Pavilion, featuring exhibitions from the cities of Shanghai, Fuzhou, and Shaoxing, showcased China’s achievements in housing, urban and rural development, and international cooperation in human settlements. The pavilion attracted significant attention from participants and visitors alike.
During the event, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat Anacláudia Rossbach gave an interview to Xinhua News Agency, in which she highly praised China’s outstanding contribution to advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. She noted that China’s experience in developing green, inclusive, and smart cities could serve as a valuable model for other countries, particularly those of the Global South.
APA: We noted that President Ilham Aliyev met with the Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of China, Zhang Guoqing, who visited Azerbaijan to participate in the Leaders’ Summit of the 13th World Urban Forum. Could you share the outcomes of this meeting?
Ambassador Lu Mei: President Ilham Aliyev attached great importance to the visit of Zhang Guoqing, the Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice Premier of the State Council of China, who came to Azerbaijan to attend the Leaders’ Summit of the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum. President Aliyev held a substantive bilateral meeting with him, during which the two sides exchanged views on various aspects of Azerbaijan-China cooperation.
During the meeting, Zhang Guoqing highly praised the positive momentum in China-Azerbaijan relations and noted that, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral ties had been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. President Ilham Aliyev stated that he greatly values the fact that the President of the People’s Republic of China regards him as an enduring friend of China. He also emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to developing its relations with China.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the expansion of trade and economic cooperation and discussed prospects for collaboration in transportation, transit, logistics, and other areas. President Ilham Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan, as a country that has suffered from separatism in the past, condemns separatism in all its forms and manifestations. He also noted that Azerbaijan not only refused to recognize the illegal elections held in China’s Taiwan region but was the only country to issue a statement condemning those elections. In this context, President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s consistent support for the One China policy.
As President Xi Jinping has stated, “Firm mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests is a fine tradition of China-Azerbaijan relations and an integral part of the strategic partnership between our two countries.” President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly and clearly expressed support for the efforts of the Chinese government aimed at achieving national reunification. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued official statements on multiple occasions reaffirming its commitment to the One China principle and condemning separatist forces advocating so-called “Taiwan independence.” The Chinese side highly appreciates this position and, as always, will continue to support Azerbaijan’s efforts to safeguard its state sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its pursuit of a development path suited to its national conditions.
Thanks to the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, China-Azerbaijan relations have been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and have entered a new stage of high-quality and all-round development. The Chinese side stands ready to work together with the Azerbaijani side to implement the important agreements reached by the two leaders, carry forward the longstanding tradition of mutual support and friendship, seize the broad opportunities arising from modernization and development, and make an even greater contribution to the continued advancement of China-Azerbaijan relations.
China became Azerbaijan’s third-largest trading partner for the first time
APA: What further steps does the Chinese side plan to take to advance political and economic relations between China and Azerbaijan? What major projects do Chinese companies plan to implement in Azerbaijan in the near future?
Ambassador Lu Mei: Benefiting from the unique advantages of complementary economic structures and aligned cooperation concepts, China and Azerbaijan have been deepening comprehensive practical cooperation, with the high-quality joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative serving as the main guiding framework. This has enabled the effective integration of China’s advanced productive capacities with Azerbaijan’s development needs.
In 2025, bilateral trade between China and Azerbaijan reached USD 4.87 billion, representing a 30.2 percent increase compared to the previous year and setting a new historical record for the third consecutive year. Notably, in the January–March period of this year, bilateral trade amounted to USD 1.104 billion, and China became Azerbaijan’s third largest trading partner for the first time.
Bilateral trade is not only expanding rapidly in volume but is also entering a new stage of higher quality practical cooperation. Chinese companies are implementing some of the largest projects in the South Caucasus region in areas such as solar and wind energy, automobile manufacturing, information and communication technologies, and building materials production.
On January 8 of this year, I attended the commissioning ceremony of the Khizi–Absheron Wind Power Project, implemented by a Chinese company, together with President Ilham Aliyev. This is the largest wind energy project in the South Caucasus region. The project is expected to provide electricity to more than 300,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 400,000 tons annually, making an important contribution to the sustainable development of Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus region.
Azerbaijani products are gaining popularity among Chinese consumers
Chinese enterprises are also planning to fully finance and construct a solar panel manufacturing facility in the Alat Free Economic Zone. This project will create significant opportunities for the development of Azerbaijan’s manufacturing sector and the creation of high-quality jobs. As President Ilham Aliyev noted in an interview earlier this year, expanding practical cooperation with China is a strategic choice for Azerbaijan. The professionalism of Chinese companies, as well as the quality and efficiency of project implementation, further confirm the soundness of this choice.
At the same time, Azerbaijan has opened trade houses in six Chinese cities, and an increasing number of high-quality products bearing the “Made in Azerbaijan” label is entering the Chinese market and gaining popularity among Chinese consumers.
Looking ahead, practical cooperation between China and Azerbaijan possesses enormous potential and broad prospects for further growth and advancement to an even higher level. Beijing is ready to share its world-leading advantages in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, the information industry, infrastructure development, and other sectors with Baku. China also looks forward to seeing more high-quality Azerbaijani products enter the Chinese market.
The Chinese side is prepared to continue working closely with Azerbaijan to strengthen the coordinating and guiding role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, thereby promoting the high-quality development of bilateral practical cooperation.
A growing number of young people in Azerbaijan are studying the Chinese language
APA: Looking back on the period since its introduction, how do you assess the results of the visa-free regime between China and Azerbaijan?
Ambassador Lu Mei: During President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to China in April last year, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Mutual Visa Exemption.
As President Ilham Aliyev stated in an interview with Chinese media: “If only one percent of the 150 million Chinese citizens who travel abroad each year visit Azerbaijan, that alone would be enough for our country. Indeed, this is very good news for the citizens of Azerbaijan. They can simply buy a ticket and travel to China.”
Thanks to the visa free regime, the number of tourist visits between the two countries continues to grow. Azerbaijan is attracting an increasing number of Chinese visitors with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, as well as its rich fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Icherisheher, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, the Heydar Aliyev Center, and other attractions have become increasingly popular destinations among Chinese tourists.
More than 60,000 Chinese citizens visited Azerbaijan in 2025, setting a new record.
The mutual visa exemption has also significantly strengthened people to people exchanges and mutual understanding between the citizens of both countries. Many well-known Azerbaijani bloggers have taken advantage of the visa free regime to travel to China. Through Instagram and other social media platforms, they have shared photographs of China’s modern cities and picturesque landmarks.
At the same time, some Azerbaijani bloggers have published practical guides on using social media platforms and bank cards in China, helping prospective students and travelers better prepare for their visits. Many Azerbaijani friends have also developed an interest in Chinese cuisine, and dishes such as Peking duck, Chinese hotpot, ramen, and fried dumplings have become increasingly popular.
A growing number of young people in Azerbaijan are studying the Chinese language, and many are able to perform Chinese songs and participate in cultural performances inspired by Chinese traditions.
Moving forward, our Embassy will continue, as always, to provide support and assistance to everyone interested in learning about China, understanding China, and studying the Chinese language. We warmly welcome more friends from Azerbaijan to visit China and experience firsthand the vitality of modern China, as well as the profound charm of its rich and ancient civilization.
Strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route continues to grow
APA: Against the backdrop of traditional transport routes no longer being able to fully ensure the security and reliability of cargo transportation, how do you assess the prospects for the development of the Middle Corridor? How do you evaluate Azerbaijan’s role and efforts in its construction and operation?
Ambassador Lu Mei: In China, the Middle Corridor is also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). This corridor utilizes a multimodal transport system that combines rail, road, and maritime transportation. It is the shortest trade and transport route connecting China and Europe, enabling cargo delivery times from China to Europe to be reduced by nearly half while significantly lowering logistics costs. Amid rising regional tensions, the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route continues to grow, attracting increasing attention from the international community.
In October 2023, President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation eight major steps to support the high-quality implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. The first of these measures was to promote the high-quality development of China-Europe freight trains and actively participate in the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This initiative fully aligns with Azerbaijan’s development strategy and enjoys the active support of the Azerbaijani side.
The joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative by China and Azerbaijan not only contributes to mutually beneficial economic cooperation but also serves as a practical continuation of the cultural bonds established along the ancient Silk Road.
At present, the high-quality joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the advancement of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route have become important new highlights and growth drivers in practical cooperation between the two countries.
Since 2024, Chinese cities including Xi’an, Nanjing, Chongqing, Urumqi, Lianyungang, and Yiwu have launched China-Europe freight train services via the Trans-Caspian route, with more than one train operating on average each day. In 2025, cargo transportation volumes along the TITR reached a record high of 4.7 million tons. During the first quarter of this year, a total of 85 China-Europe freight trains were dispatched via the Xi’an Trans-Caspian route, representing a year on year increase of 150 percent.
China has become the largest source of cargo transported along the TITR, significantly enhancing the development potential of this route.
Under the strategic guidance of the agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, China is ready to work closely with Azerbaijan to deepen the integration and cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Together, the two sides will contribute to safeguarding the security and stability of industrial and supply chains and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of all countries along the route.
Our positions highly align as Azerbaijan, a neighboring country of Iran, has called for a de-escalation of tensions
APA: What is China’s position on the situation in the Middle East? Given Azerbaijan’s proximity to the region, how do you assess the humanitarian and diplomatic efforts undertaken by Azerbaijan?
Ambassador Lu Mei: China has always remained a force for justice, peace, and stability around the world. Since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran, President Xi Jinping has put forward a four-point proposal aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The proposal emphasizes adherence to the principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, observance of international law, and the coordinated advancement of development and security.
China has also jointly proposed a five-point initiative with Pakistan aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf region and the broader Middle East. These measures fully reflect China’s consistent position and active efforts to promote peace, end conflicts, encourage dialogue, and resolve differences through political means. They also represent China’s proposed pathway for helping the Middle East and Gulf region move beyond conflict and achieve long term stability.
The Chinese side has noted that Azerbaijan, as a neighboring country of Iran, has consistently advocated respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while calling for diplomatic and political solutions to help de-escalate tensions. The positions of China and Azerbaijan on promoting peace and dialogue are highly aligned.
In addition, Azerbaijan has actively provided transit corridors and facilitated customs procedures during the evacuation of foreign nationals from Iran, fully demonstrating its sense of responsibility. With the assistance of the Azerbaijani government, more than 700 Chinese citizens were safely evacuated from Iran through Azerbaijan. This once again highlights the high level of political trust between China and Azerbaijan.
China expresses its sincere appreciation to Azerbaijan for its valuable assistance.
Going forward, China will continue to uphold the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal and work together with the international community, including Azerbaijan, to provide stronger support for peace efforts and negotiations, thereby playing a constructive role in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
Peaceful coexistence represents the greatest common denominator in China-US relations
APA: President Donald Trump’s recent state visit to China attracted significant international attention. How does China assess the concept of “China-US relations of constructive strategic stability”?
Ambassador Lu Mei: At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Donald Trump of the United States recently paid a state visit to China. The two heads of state engaged in candid, in depth, constructive, and strategic discussions on major issues concerning China-US relations, as well as global peace and development. They actively explored the proper path for coexistence between two major powers and reached a series of important agreements.
The two leaders defined bilateral relations as “China-US relations of constructive strategic stability,” a framework that will provide strategic guidance for the development of China-US relations over the next three years and beyond. This approach has received positive responses from both peoples and the wider international community.
“Constructive strategic stability” signifies positive stability based primarily on cooperation, where exchanges and interactions continuously strengthen the resilience of China-US relations. It also represents healthy stability characterized by competition within reasonable limits and the rejection of zero sum thinking, under which one side’s gain is viewed as the other’s loss.
Furthermore, it reflects sustainable stability through the effective management of differences, whereby both sides maintain policy continuity and consistency, faithfully honor their commitments, and continue moving toward one another. It also embodies long term stability founded on peace and the rejection of conflict, confrontation, and, above all, war.
Peaceful coexistence represents the greatest common denominator in China-US relations. The consequences of conflict and confrontation between the two countries would be unacceptable for both sides. It is therefore essential to uphold the three China-US Joint Communiqués, respect each other’s social systems and development paths, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, and recognize one another’s right to development.
In short, “China-US relations of constructive strategic stability” is not merely a slogan but a goal that both sides should firmly uphold and actively pursue through concrete actions.
As President Xi Jinping has noted, China-US relations affect the well being of more than 1.7 billion people in the two countries and are closely linked to the interests of more than eight billion people around the world. China is ready to work together with the United States to properly implement the important understandings reached by the two heads of state, advance the development of constructive China-US relations of strategic stability, view and develop bilateral relations from a broader and longer term perspective, explore the correct path for interaction between major powers in the new era, deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both countries, and make an even greater contribution to global peace and development.
