On March 27, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ashgabat held a media briefing following the visit of Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to China from March 17–19. Chinese Ambassador Ji Shumin responded to a question about the Chinese side's response to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's gift of an Ahal-Teke horse to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to the diplomat, this gesture has profound symbolic significance for both peoples. The ambassador noted that the horse, for both the Chinese and Turkmen people, is a symbol of progress and forward movement, and is widely loved in both countries.

The symbolism of the gift is further enhanced by the calendar coincidence: the current year is the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese lunar calendar, and in Turkmenistan, it is celebrated under the motto "Independent and Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of the Determined Winged Steeds." The ambassador emphasized that this coincidence brings the two peoples even closer together and imbues the friendly gesture with special meaning.

Ji Shumin recalled that during his meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen People, President Xi Jinping emphasized that Turkmenistan is the birthplace of the legendary Ahal-Teke horses, and both countries strive forward like these noble steeds. According to the ambassador, the gift of a horse is a vivid symbol of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples and allows for an even deeper appreciation of the traditional ties that bind the leaders and peoples of China and Turkmenistan.

The Ambassador also expressed the Chinese side's readiness, together with the Turkmen side, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, to fully implement the agreements reached and develop bilateral cooperation in all areas.