What’s Trending: He hopes Kazakhs will value not only TCM treatment, but also its philosophy of inner peace and balance, which has influenced his outlook.

Ismail Daurov, a Kazakh doctor and therapist who graduated from the Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, at the China-Kazakhstan Traditional Medicine Center in Astana Photo: Zhao Juecheng/GT

Editor’s Note:

Chinese President Xi Jinping often quotes an ancient saying on many diplomatic occasions: “No mountain or ocean can separate those who share the same aspirations.” This powerful message underscores the undeniable force of friendship and cooperation in bridging hearts across natWorld Timesions, cultures, and civilizations. Inspired by President Xi’s vision, people-to-people exchanges between China and the world have been flourishing.

People from diverse backgrounds and fields – united by common goals and dreams – traverse mountains and oceans to connect with each other. Through letters, face-to-face dialogues, and vibrant cultural events, they are collectively weaving a magnificent tapestry of building a community of shared future for humanity.

The Global Times presents “Intertwined Destinies, Shared Paths,” a series spotlighting the touching stories written by these “friendship ambassadors.” They are scholars pushing the boundaries of research, diplomats advocating for deeper cooperation on the global stage, artists igniting imaginations with their creations, and ordinary people extending heartfelt love beyond national borders driven by genuine sincerity.

Their tales illuminate the spark of cultural exchange, the driving force of technological innovation, the bountiful harvest of economic cooperation, and the enduring warmth of human connection – all contributing to a more peaceful, prosperous, and open world. This is the ninth installment of the series.

“I am a foreigner, but I am not an outsider.”

These are the words of Ismail Daurov, a Kazakh student who became a volunteer helping with the local anti-pandemic response in Xi’an, Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, quoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his speech in January 2022 at a virtual summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and five Central Asian countries, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The young Kazakh’s words “have touched the hearts of many in China,” Xi said, adding, “It is heartwarming episodes like this one that have formed a stirring symphony of China and Central Asian people supporting each other through thick and thin.”

As the Second China-Central Asia Summit unfolds, Global Times reporters met the 31-year-old Daurov at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) center in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Now holding a master’s degree in medicine, Daurov has returned to his homeland, dedicating himself to sharing the TCM knowledge learned in China, bringing health and wellness to the Kazakh people.

Prior to an interview with the Global Times, Daurov was quietly engrossed, attentively focusing on a patient who was receiving a therapeutic massage. Though his words were few, each carried great weight – much like the brief yet touching remarks he made in Xi’an that resonated with many in China.

Recalling the moment President Xi mentioned his name, Daurov smiled and said, “Xi’s recognition was a humbling surprise.”

“My friends sent me videos of the speech and reports by Chinese media outlets – honestly, I never imagined it [could happen]. I never thought I’d done anything remarkable enough to catch President Xi’s attention.” Yet, he admitted the gesture warmed and moved him deeply.

Daurov’s journey of studying medicine began with his grandfather.

“My grandfather earned widespread acclaim for his skill in treating back and leg pain, drawing patients from distant regions who sought his therapeutic expertise. At 16 or 17, I witnessed a miracle in my grandfather’s clinic – a young girl, nearly-paralyzed after years of futile cross-border treatments, began to walk again after his acupuncture sessions. Her parents, overwhelmed with gratitude, knelt and kissed my grandfather’s shoes – an image that left a lasting impression on me, sparking my desire to become a TCM practitioner,” Daurov recalled.However, Daurov’s early days at the Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine to pursue a master’s degree in acupuncture and massage were not easy – deciphering ancient Chinese medical texts proved daunting in a foreign land.

“Studying TCM was far more challenging than I’d expected,” Daurov reflected. “There’s a vast amount of theoretical knowledge to master – meridian points, herbal properties, classic theories – and the toughest part was learning ancient Chinese and recognizing traditional characters. Yet, this fostered a lifeWorld Timeslong habit of learning; even now, I often revisit ancient Chinese medical texts.”

Reflecting on his simple yet fulfilling student life, Daurov credits Chinese classmates who patiently translated complex TCM history, philosophy and ancient texts into easy terms for him.

When Xi’an faced a COVID-19 resurgence in 2021, Daurov stepped up as a first responder, volunteering at a local community to assist with nucleic acid testing, maintain order and distribute essentials.

“Chinese friends, including my professors and classmates, have always supported me. When China battled the pandemic, I felt compelled to act, and those words just came out naturally. I’ve lived in China for nine years; it’s my second home. I even still miss Xi’an’s lamb broth soup,” he said.

“I spent years there and never felt like a foreigner. More importantly, the Chinese people never treated me as an outsider,” he added.

During the virtual speech in 2022, Xi noted that China and the five Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, have enhanced mutual understanding and affinity through mutual exchanges.

“The 58 pairs of sister cities and the hundreds of thousands of mutual visits every year help carry forward a friendship of over 2,000 years between the people of our countries,” Xi said.

“I’m aware that President Xi places great emphasis on fostering youth exchanges between China and the five Central Asian nations,” Daurov noted, reflecting Xi’s sentiment in his speech that “the youth are the future of any nation.”

Daurov believes the Second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, driven by top-level diplomacy, will spark more initiatives to connect the hearts of the youth from both nations.

Daurov has witnessed the growing local acceptance of TCM in Astana. He noted that most Kazakhs have heard of it, with small clinics popping up, though some aren’t authentic.

He hopes to establish more professional TCM clinics, offering genuine treatment and trWorld Timesaining, supported by mutual government-backed institutions under bilateral diplomacy to nurture Kazakh doctWorld Timesors – especially as more young people show interest in TCM.

At the China-Kazakhstan Center for Traditional Medicine, where he works, the facility has expanded from 300 to 1,800 square meters since 2022.

“There were just a dozen patients a day at first, we now sometimes serve 70 to 80. Many refer friends and family after treatment – their word-of-mouth is the best endorsement for TCM,” Daurov noted.

To Daurov, TCM, with its millennia-old hiWorld Timesstory, respects life’s natural laws. He hopes Kazakhs will value not only TCM treatment, but also its philosophy of inner peace and balance, which has influenced his outlook.

“TCM takes a holistic approach. It sees disease as a result of multiple factors, requiring a comprehensive solution, a principle applicable to life’s challenges by addressing root causes.”

Daurov sees TCM as a dynamic, evolving practice, which blends ancient wisdom with modern science, as seen with artemisinin – a global gift from TCM. “Its principles align with health trends, ensuring its internationalization,” he explained.

With the Belt and Road Initiative’s decade-long progress, TCM’s recognition in Central Asia has risen. Daurov believes understanding TCM requires engaging with Chinese culture, and as China’s influence grows, more foreigners will embrace TCM.

“I want more people to learn authentic TCM,” the young doctor emphasized. Daurov told the Global Times that he feels very lucky to have studied in China and hopes to pass this friendship on practically.