The millennia-long history of contacts between the ancestors of Turkmens and Chinese forms a solid basis for contemporary relations between the two countries, the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs said following President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s working visit to China, reports Turkmenportal.tm.
The Ministry highlighted that both countries’ commitment to their historical roots and rich cultural, material, and spiritual heritage is not only a key element of domestic policy but also shapes international cooperation. “In Turkmenistan and China, the traditions of friendship and mutual trust are always emphasized,” the statement reads. Today’s level of mutual understanding rests on a deep, thousand-year foundation of neighborly relations.
The Ministry recalled that throughout the formation of a unified Chinese empire, it maintained close contacts with the ancient ancestors of Turkmens — including the Oghuz, Xiongnu, Massagetae, Parthians, Göktürks, and other peoples. The two major civilizations of Asia concluded dynastic marriages and alliance treaties, engaged in trade, and exchanged military and cultural achievements.
According to the Ministry, Oghuz envoys were seated next to the Chinese emperor during palace ceremonies. A Chinese-Turkic dictionary was compiled, and more than 10,000 Oghuz families resettled in China. In the 8th century, Oghuz influence sparked a fashion for Turkic music and clothing in China. The Ministry also noted the famous practice of sending the Chinese emperor “heavenly horses” — the renowned Akhal-Teke horses.
These examples, the Ministry emphasized, demonstrate a centuries-long process of political and cultural synthesis, which largely shaped the nature of modern Turkmen-China interstate relations. “In this context, the President of Turkmenistan rightly noted that today Turkmenistan and China are steadfast friends, strategic partners, and like-minded nations, whose relations cannot be considered without taking into account their deep historical foundation,” the statement concluded.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 5, 2025