On December 30, 2024, at Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana, an event took place that is of special importance in elevating bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) to a new level. Mr. Han Chunlin, newly appointed as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the PRC to Kazakhstan, delivered a ceremonial speech, highlighting the main milestones of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and outlining future plans for joint development, DKnews.kz reports.
The Historical Foundations of Relations Between China and Kazakhstan
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 (i.e., 33 years ago), China and Kazakhstan have advanced multifaceted cooperation, evolving from neighborly ties to a perpetual, comprehensive strategic partnership. Over this period, both nations have overcome various internal and external challenges and achieved remarkable success, thus setting a global example of peaceful, mutually respectful, and mutually beneficial cooperation between neighboring countries.
- Cultural and Historical Ties
Ties between the Chinese and Kazakh peoples date back centuries. Since the era of the Great Silk Road, the two countries have been connected not just by trade but also by a mutual desire to learn about each other’s culture, mutual understanding, and collaboration. This historical heritage has laid the foundation for the successful modern projects both countries are implementing in a spirit of openness and inclusivity. - Official Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
On January 3, 1992, the two countries officially formed diplomatic ties. Since then, China-Kazakhstan cooperation has been swiftly developing. Today, the scope of this partnership covers numerous areas, including politics, economics, culture and the humanities, as well as energy. - Transition to an Eternal Strategic Partnership
The leadership of both countries has played a critical role in elevating bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level. China has consistently emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan as a trusted strategic partner in Central Asia, while Kazakhstan, in turn, regards cooperation with China as a high priority because it views such collaboration as providing significant potential for its own development and for bolstering regional stability.
The Belt and Road Initiative: Kazakhstan’s Contribution
A defining moment in the modern era of China-Kazakhstan cooperation occurred in 2013. It was then, in Kazakhstan, that President of the PRC Xi Jinping first announced the “Silk Road Economic Belt,” later incorporated into the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On Kazakh soil, the seeds of this global project were first planted, launching major new trade corridors, flows of investment, and infrastructure projects connecting East and West.
- Principles of Cooperation
As Ambassador Han Chunlin has emphasized, the BRI is based on three principles: extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. These principles ensure the interests of both sides are considered as much as possible and that outcomes are mutually beneficial. - Implemented Projects
Over the past decade and more, China and Kazakhstan have undertaken various significant infrastructure and economic ventures as part of the BRI: developing railway corridors, upgrading highways, and constructing transport and logistics hubs and industrial parks. For instance, the “Khorgos – Eastern Gate” dry port on the Kazakh-Chinese border has become a major land-based logistics center linking Asia and Europe. - A Global Model of Cooperation
The international community has repeatedly recognized China-Kazakhstan cooperation under the BRI as one of the best examples of large-scale cross-border projects. Both countries view their relationship as not limited to trade and investment but as a wide-ranging partnership, encompassing cultural exchanges, educational programs, and scientific and technological cooperation.
High-Level Visits: Driving Force of Partnership Enhancement
High-level visits and agreements are of crucial importance for advancing intergovernmental cooperation. In recent years, meetings and negotiations at the highest level between the leadership of the two countries have become a key mechanism for deepening bilateral relations.
- Visit of President Xi Jinping to Kazakhstan (2022)
In September 2022, President Xi Jinping made his first foreign trip after the COVID-19 pandemic—to Kazakhstan. This visit demonstrated China’s continued commitment to Kazakhstan as a vital partner and the mutual desire of both sides to maintain cooperation despite pandemic-related constraints. - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Visits to China (2023)
In 2023, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid two official visits to China. During these visits, he and the Chinese leadership discussed a wide range of areas for cooperation—energy, trade, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian ties. These frequent visits clearly indicate the dynamic growth in relations between the two countries. - Another Visit by Xi Jinping to Kazakhstan (July 2024)
In July 2023, President Xi Jinping made yet another historic trip to Kazakhstan, during which he not only held talks with President Tokayev but also participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Astana. During these high-level discussions, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their eternal strategic partnership and enhancing regional security and stability.
The SCO and “China – Central Asia”: New Opportunities
Cooperation between China and Kazakhstan is not limited to bilateral formats. The two countries are also highly active in multilateral structures, particularly within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
- China’s Chairmanship of the SCO
Currently, China holds the chairmanship of the SCO and aims to host the upcoming summit in a spirit of friendship, cooperation, and productive dialogue. Kazakhstan, a key member of the organization, sees the SCO as a valuable platform for tackling regional issues collectively and strengthening relations with other member states. - The “China – Central Asia” Summit (2025)
According to Ambassador Han Chunlin, Kazakhstan will host the second “China – Central Asia” Summit in 2025. Launched in 2023, this format has already proven its relevance, as it allows Central Asian countries and China to align efforts on transport and logistics corridors, energy and agriculture, as well as education and cultural exchanges. - Forming a Community with a Shared Future
China is advocating the creation of a community with a shared future with Kazakhstan, thereby synchronizing the strategic plans of the two countries, building mutual trust, and moving forward along the path to modernization. As Ambassador Han Chunlin noted, both China and Kazakhstan are currently acting as companions in their socioeconomic development processes, and this trend will only continue to grow.
New Strategic Goals and China’s Modernization
In July 2024, the 3rd Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China took place, outlining new strategic plans for continuing to build a strong state and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The key concept—“Chinese modernization”—envisions an economic and social development model based on innovation and openness.
- Directives of the Central Economic Work Conference
In mid-December 2024, the Central Economic Work Conference clarified China’s economic strategy for 2025. Its main thrust: to promote high-quality development and expand high-level openness. This “twofold approach” signals China’s readiness to invest in high-tech sectors, encourage innovation, and openly compete in the global marketplace. - Opportunities for Kazakhstan
The strengthening of the Chinese market and the modernization course China is embarking upon also create important opportunities for Kazakhstan. These include increasing mutual trade, investing in the oil and gas sector, developing joint production capacities, and expanding collaboration in education and research. - Preparing for the “Golden Thirty Years”
Ambassador Han Chunlin noted that the two countries are on the threshold of a “new golden thirty years” in their relations. The previous “golden” period saw exponential growth in bilateral trade and deep economic integration. The next stage envisages large-scale projects in technology and innovation, a robust cultural and educational relationship, and focused development of human capital.
The Tasks of Ambassador Han Chunlin’s Diplomatic Mission
As the 12th Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the PRC to Kazakhstan, Mr. Han Chunlin views the implementation of high-level agreements signed between the leaders of the two states as his primary mission. He underscored his commitment to investing all his efforts in fulfilling these agreements.
- Strengthening Political Trust
Political mutual trust is the solid foundation of any partnership. The ambassador stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening close contacts between the government bodies of both countries, as well as among academic and expert communities. - Further Development of Economic Cooperation
Amid the current global economic uncertainties, sustaining stable growth in bilateral trade and investment is a key priority. In this regard, new impetus will be given to projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, high technology, and the green economy. - Protecting Citizens’ Interests and Fostering Humanitarian Ties
The Embassy and Consulates General of the PRC in Kazakhstan will continue to provide comprehensive support to Chinese enterprises, students, and citizens in Kazakhstan. At the same time, special attention will be paid to expanding educational and cultural exchanges: Confucius Institutes are already operating in Kazakhstan, and scholarship programs for young scholars and students are ongoing.
The Value of True Friendship: “Pure Friendship Is More Precious than Gold”
In his speech, Ambassador Han Chunlin quoted a Kazakh proverb, “Aдал достық алтыннан да қымбат,” which translates to “Pure friendship is more precious than gold.” These words perfectly capture the longstanding ties between the two peoples, which have endured for centuries.
Today, as China and Kazakhstan work side by side on their paths to modernization, they are contributing not only to the development of the two nations but also to progress across the entire Eurasian continent. From improving transport corridors to fostering joint production facilities, from expanding scientific and technical potential to supporting educational and cultural programs, cooperation in all its dimensions opens up new opportunities.
Two Nations United on the Threshold of 2025
Ambassador Han Chunlin has arrived in Kazakhstan at a pivotal time, as the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries approaches and 2025 draws near. His statement on a “new golden thirty years” reflects the strong mutual understanding and trust that both nations maintain in their pursuit of shared goals.
In his remarks, the ambassador offered best wishes for health, happiness, and well-being to all and expressed confidence that 2025 will mark another bright chapter in the history of China-Kazakhstan friendship. We can anticipate new diplomatic initiatives, summits, and collective achievements between the two nations in the near future.
“May the friendship between the peoples of our two countries soar like the golden eagle, flying toward a bright future,” says Ambassador Han Chunlin, vividly illustrating the aspirations of both nations as they step into 2025.
Rooted in centuries-old friendship and strengthened year by year by growing economic interaction, the partnership between China and Kazakhstan is becoming ever more stable, comprehensive, and strategic. In the years to come, we will witness the further flourishing of this cooperation and its positive impact on Central Eurasia as a whole.
