On July 24, the Press Office of the Azerbaijani President reported that on June 20, the China Media Group media corporation interviewed Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. On July 22, the interview of the head of state was broadcast on the China Global Television Network.

Aliyev emphasized China-Azerbaijan relations: "Today, when we look at a political map of the region, and also on a map of transportation routes, we see how our countries are closely aligned with each other. For instance, if we take basic issues on the global international agenda, our positions coincide. They coincide on issues related to sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the affairs of other countries. They coincide on issues related to economic cooperation, and we see the growing numbers of mutual trade and especially the potential. We see the emerging new transportation routes, which will unite our countries even more in the future."

Regarding Belt and Road infrastructure projects, he said, "So, when we were incorporated in the Belt and Road Initiative, we already came with infrastructure, which was available. What are we doing now? We are now only upgrading. For instance, we are expanding our trade seaport because the growing number of cargoes from East to West will create problems handling cargoes. Our trade sea port was inaugurated several years ago with a capacity of 15 million tons. Now we are upgrading it up to 25 million tons. We are building more vessels in the Caspian. Though we have the biggest trade fleet in the Caspian among all other Caspian littoral states, we are building new vessels, tankers, and cargo fleets to be able to bring more cargo. Now, we are planning to expand our shipyard so that we can produce not from 6 to 8, but maybe from 10 to 20 vessels per year. Because the need for vessels in Azerbaijan and also in the Caspian is growing."

Speaking of the Zangezur corridor, Ilham Aliyev stated, "We are working very actively on the Zangezur corridor, which will be an additional road from Azerbaijan to Turkey and Europe. About 70% of construction work has already been done in the Azerbaijani territory. So, through Azerbaijan, there'll not be only one route through the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars, but also through the Zangezur corridor. So, all these will create additional opportunities for more cargo. At the same time, transportation through Azerbaijan will also go through the Georgian seaports. We are looking with big interest at some investment opportunities concerning that. So, really transportation cooperation will be extremely beneficial for all the countries, but at the same time, which is not less important, it will strengthen ties between the countries."

The Azerbaijani leader noted the issue of Taiwan: "We always support it and continue to support China's territorial integrity and the policy of One China and the policy of reunification of China. This policy was articulated many years ago and was reconfirmed on many occasions, and it is unchanged and never be changed. First, because China, for us, is a friendly country. Second, because we always support the laws and principles of international law. International law cannot be treated selectively. And those countries who want to treat international law selectively will only lose their reputation. Because international law elaborates that the territorial integrity principle is a fundamental principle of international law. The self-determination of people should not contradict the territorial integrity of any country. This is a fundamental principle of international law. Therefore, our position on the One China policy is absolutely clear, and I hope that some Western governments also follow this position."