China's Premier Li Qiang urged Tajikistan to deepen security and intelligence collaboration to combat extremism and separatism, expressing hope for robust protection of Chinese citizens. Beijing is particularly concerned about potential spillover effects from instability in Central Asia into its Xinjiang region. This region is home to the Uyghur population, and China has previously attributed violent attacks to Uyghur militants. The call for “strong measures” underscores China’s anxieties regarding regional security. This request for cooperation highlights China’s ongoing efforts to secure its borders and counter perceived threats. The collaboration aims to prevent further incidents and maintain stability in the region. China views Tajikistan as a crucial partner in addressing these challenges.