Xi’s Kazakhstan Visit: A New Blueprint for Bilateral Ties and SCO Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 2, 2024, for the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and a state visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This visit marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan, which have been growing stronger since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 32 years ago.

Historical Context

Xi Jinping’s visit to Kazakhstan is historically significant for several reasons. In 2013, during a visit to Kazakhstan, Xi proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt, a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Kazakhstan, being a central player in the BRI, has seen substantial growth in its relationship with China, particularly in terms of economic and infrastructural development.

Key Highlights of the Visit

1. Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Xi’s visit underscores the strong political trust and comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan. The two countries have been firm supporters of each other on issues concerning their core interests, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.

2. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): The visit coincides with the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, an organization that promotes political, economic, and security cooperation in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is hosting the summit and has pledged to enhance the potential of the SCO.

3. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The BRI has been a cornerstone of China-Kazakhstan relations. The initiative has facilitated significant infrastructure projects, boosting connectivity and economic growth in the region. In 2023, trade between China and Kazakhstan reached a record $41 billion, highlighting the economic benefits of this partnership.

4. Regional Security and Stability: One of the top items on the agenda at the SCO summit is maintaining regional stability. China and Kazakhstan aim to strengthen security cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and to guard against external influences.

5. Economic Cooperation: China, as the largest economy in the SCO, plays a crucial role in regional economic collaboration. The two countries are expected to promote more regional infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which offers a cost-effective passage in Eurasia.

Local and Scholarly Perspectives

Local residents and scholars have high expectations for Xi’s visit. Many believe that increased connectivity and cooperation under the BRI will lead to future economic growth for both countries. Observers also note that the strategic guidance by the heads of state is a political advantage, injecting certainty and new impetus into the development of Central Asia and the world.

Summary in Bullet Points

• Xi Jinping’s Visit: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazakhstan for the 24th SCO summit and a state visit.
• Historical Significance: Xi proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan in 2013, a key part of the BRI.
• Strengthening Ties: The visit underscores the strong political trust and comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan.
• SCO Summit: Kazakhstan is hosting the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.
• Economic Cooperation: Trade between China and Kazakhstan reached $41 billion in 2023, facilitated by the BRI.
• Regional Security: China and Kazakhstan aim to strengthen security cooperation to maintain regional stability.
• Local Perspectives: Residents and scholars have high expectations for increased connectivity and economic growth.
• Strategic Guidance: High-level interactions between the heads of state are seen as a political advantage for regional development.

This visit is expected to further solidify the China-Kazakhstan relationship and set a new blueprint for future cooperation under the SCO and BRI frameworks.