As the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) convenes in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 3-4, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the summit and embark on a state visit to Kazakhstan. This marks President Xi’s fifth visit to the country, following trips in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
Over the past three decades since Kazakhstan’s independence, China and Kazakhstan have cultivated a robust relationship, evolving from bilateral cooperation to extensive multilateral engagements within frameworks like the SCO and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Their mutual support and shared accomplishments have forged an extraordinary path of collaboration, setting a benchmark for pragmatic cooperation under the BRI.
A Model of Economic Growth
China and Kazakhstan exemplify pragmatic cooperation as neighboring countries and strategic partners. When diplomatic relations were established in 1992, bilateral trade volume stood at approximately $370 million. By 2023, this figure skyrocketed to over $41 billion—a remarkable increase of more than 100 times—accounting for 28.3% of Kazakhstan’s total trade volume. This achievement surpasses the $40 billion trade target set for 2030 by both nations’ leaders.
From 2005 to 2023, China invested $25.3 billion in Kazakhstan, solidifying Kazakhstan’s position as China’s largest trading partner in Central Asia and a key economic partner. This investment has brought tangible benefits to both countries, promoting economic growth and development.
Collaboration within the SCO Framework
As founding members of the SCO, China and Kazakhstan have aligned their positions on international and regional issues, providing steadfast mutual support. They have played a constructive role in the SCO’s development and expansion, fostering cooperation in areas such as institutional building, counter-terrorism, regional security, economy, trade, agriculture, energy, science and technology, finance, culture, education, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection.
Both nations are committed to maintaining regional peace, security, and stability, promoting a new, democratic, just, and rational international political and economic order. Their collaboration contributes to a more representative, multipolar world.
Innovating for the Future
Kazakhstan has been an active participant in the BRI since its inception, creatively integrating the Silk Road Economic Belt with its own “Bright Road” economic policy. This synergy offers a new path for collaborative development between China and other BRI participants. The China-Kazakhstan production capacity cooperation has pioneered a new model of pragmatic collaboration, providing a template for industrial upgrading, enhancing local employment, and alleviating poverty.
The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) logistics cooperation base has opened a maritime route to the Pacific Ocean for Kazakhstan, transforming it from a landlocked to a land-linked country. This development expands the geographical scope of international cooperation for Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, significantly altering the geopolitical and economic landscape of Eurasia.
Together, China and Kazakhstan are building a digital Silk Road, a green Silk Road, and a Silk Road of health, setting an example for building a global community with a shared future.
Reference(s):
New pragmatic and promising chapter of China-Kazakhstan cooperation
cgtn.com
