Chinese publication runs piece penned by Tokayev prior to his China visit

In the heart of the ancient Silk Road, the fates of Kazakhstan and China have been intertwined for centuries. This rich history continues to shape their relationship today, as both nations work towards enhancing their strategic partnership.

In a significant move, the launch of additional tracks on the Dostyk-Moynyt railway line in 2024 is set to increase Kazakhstan's transit potential along the China-Europa corridor fivefold. This development is expected to boost economic growth and strengthen regional connectivity.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), under China's current chairmanship, is intensifying efforts to bolster regional security, deepen economic integration, and expand cultural and humanitarian ties. Kazakhstan and China remain committed to close cooperation within the SCO, with a focus on stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

The shared border between the two countries, stretching 1700 kilometers, has become a symbol of peace and good-neighborliness. This bond is further strengthened by the active development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or Middle Corridor, a successful example of joint efforts by Kazakhstan and China.

The oil and gas sector continues to be a significant part of the economic ties between the two nations. The expansion of the Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline and the modernization of oil refining and petrochemical enterprises are testament to this.

In 2024, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China reached a record high of $44 billion, making China Kazakhstan's largest trade and economic partner. This growth is also reflected in the agricultural sector, with agricultural product exports from Kazakhstan to China increasing by 10 percent in the same year. Chinese investors are actively exploring opportunities for large-scale agricultural product processing projects.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been instrumental in strengthening these ties. In an article published in China Daily, he focused on the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China. The total readership of the publication where the article was published exceeds 350 million people worldwide.

In a symbolic gesture, the Year of Tourism in Kazakhstan in China has been followed by the declaration of the Year of Tourism of China in Kazakhstan, marking a new chapter in tourism relations between the two countries. A trade-logistics center was opened in Xi'an, further strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.

Looking ahead, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit the Chinese city of Tianjin from August 30 to September 3, 2025, on the invitation of Chairman Xi Jinping. The upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin offers a unique opportunity to align strategies on pressing global issues and drive institutional reforms.

The completion of the container hub construction in the Kazakh port of Aktau, in partnership with the administration of the Chinese port of Lianyungang, has led to the creation of a container fleet that provides a full range of logistics services for Central Asian and Caspian countries.

The strong bonds of friendship between Kazakhstan and China, rooted in centuries of good-neighborly ties, continue to flourish. Chinese enterprises have invested over $27 billion in Kazakhstan since 2005, with around 6,000 Chinese companies currently operating in the country. This mutual investment and cooperation are a testament to the enduring relationship between these two nations.