Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana on Monday, marking a pivotal moment for bilateral cooperation amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic partnerships, regional security coordination, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
As founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China and Kazakhstan have deepened collaboration on cross-border infrastructure projects, including the Khorgos Gateway – a critical logistics hub along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Analysts anticipate new agreements to enhance energy connectivity and digital trade corridors during the meeting.
This visit follows Xi's "good-neighborly friendship" tour to Central Asia in 2022 and comes as Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its economic partnerships. Recent data shows bilateral trade reached $31.5 billion in 2023, with Chinese companies accounting for 22% of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan's mining and manufacturing sectors.
Regional security is likely to dominate discussions, particularly regarding stability in Afghanistan and water resource management in Central Asia. The leaders may also address plans for the 2025 SCO summit, which Kazakhstan is scheduled to host.
