China an engine of economic development in Asia, says FM spokesperson

China has become an engine of economic development in Asia, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in comments regarding the launch of the first Beijing-Central Asia freight train service.

A freight train bound for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, departed from Beijing on Wednesday, marking the official launch of the first freight train service between the Chinese capital and Central Asia.

"Today's China is an anchor of stability, engine of economic development, and pillar of regional security in Asia," said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Mao noted that much progress has been made in China's connectivity with its neighboring countries.

New train service was launched from China to Central Asia, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project ran into operation, and the land-sea corridor train service has run over 10,000 trips in the whole year, she said.

"In our neighborhood, we have signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with 25 neighboring countries, and remained the largest trading partner of 18 countries," she added.

China's prosperity cannot be possible without Asia, and Asia's development cannot be possible without China, said Mao.

"We will continue to follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness on neighborhood diplomacy, stick to the goal of building a community with a shared future, and share opportunities with our neighbors for common development," said the spokesperson.

The first freight train between Beijing and Central Asia is loaded with 90 standard containers of auto parts, medicines and other goods from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and is set to exit China through Horgos Port in Xinjiang before arriving in the Uzbek capital in about 14 days, according to China Railway Beijing Group.

The freight train service provides a new platform for Beijing to better integrate into the high-quality, coordinated development of the Belt and Road Initiative, said China Railway Beijing Group.