In an exclusive article for DKNews.kz, Han Chunlin, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kazakhstan, shares his views on how China and Kazakhstan are jointly entering a new stage of cooperation. He reflects on last year’s key achievements, the growing trust between the two nations, and the opportunities that lie ahead for our peoples in the coming years.
Writing a New Page Together in Building a China–Kazakhstan Community with a Shared Future
The seasons change, and every new day brings new achievements. At this moment, as we bid farewell to the outgoing year and welcome the new one, allow me, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan, to extend my sincere greetings and best wishes for the New Year to the friendly people of Kazakhstan.
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
In 2025, under the strategic leadership and personal guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the everlasting, comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan continued to improve in quality and reached new heights. Our two countries jointly embarked on yet another stage of building a China–Kazakhstan community with a shared future, following the path of good-neighborliness, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.
First, the strategic leadership of our heads of state elevated bilateral relations to a new level. President Xi Jinping paid his sixth visit to Kazakhstan and took part in the second “China–Central Asia” summit in Astana. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in turn, visited China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, as well as in the events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
During their meetings, the two leaders held in-depth exchanges and reached important agreements on further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transportation and high technology. Together, they witnessed the exchange of signed bilateral cooperation documents, thereby outlining a new roadmap for deepening the everlasting comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan. Guided by the strategic leadership of the heads of state, exchanges and cooperation at all levels have continued to grow, injecting powerful momentum into the high-quality development of relations between our two countries.
Second, mutual support on core interests has steadily strengthened political trust. On matters involving fundamental interests and issues of critical importance, China and Kazakhstan consistently provide firm support to each other, acting as “reliable backing in an unstable international environment and helping each other on the path of development and progress.” The Chinese side firmly supports Kazakhstan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the development path it has chosen independently. The Kazakh side unwaveringly adheres to the “one-China” principle and resolutely supports China’s position on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet and other major issues.
Third, the quality and level of practical cooperation continue to rise, opening broad prospects for mutual benefit. China remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner. In the first 11 months of 2025, bilateral trade reached 43.814 billion US dollars - an increase of 9.3% year-on-year - laying a solid foundation for achieving the goal, set by our leaders, of doubling bilateral trade.
China is also an important source of investment for Kazakhstan, with accumulated investment reaching about 27 billion US dollars. Over the first 11 months of 2025, the number of China–Europe and China–Central Asia freight trains passing through the Alashankou and Khorgos railway ports in Xinjiang reached 16,000 - up 7.6% from the previous year.
Our countries continue to strengthen cooperation in traditional sectors such as energy and mining, petrochemicals, logistics and transportation, and infrastructure. At the same time, cooperation is expanding in new industries - including automotive manufacturing, modern agriculture, green energy and construction materials. We also see broad prospects in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, green minerals, artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
Fourth, people-to-people exchanges are flourishing, bringing our nations closer together. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation has become a hallmark and a major growth point of bilateral relations. The two sides signed new agreements in education, science and technology, sports and tourism. The third Luban Workshop officially opened in Kazakhstan.
The mutual visa-free regime continues to produce a strong positive effect: travel flows have increased significantly, with up to 30,000 people crossing the Khorgos International Cooperation Center daily. Tourism is becoming a new “calling card” of people-to-people exchanges. The Year of Chinese Tourism was launched in Kazakhstan. Provinces such as Hainan and other regions of China are gaining popularity among Kazakh tourists, while spontaneous trips between our countries are turning into a new trend.
Exchanges have intensified across culture, sports, science and technology, media, think tanks, youth and sister cities. The motto “Getting closer, understanding each other, and helping each other succeed” is being translated into real action - especially for the younger generation.
Fifth, close cooperation in multilateral formats contributes jointly to peace and development worldwide. China and Kazakhstan firmly support each other’s chairmanship roles and helped ensure fruitful results at the second “China–Central Asia” summit and the SCO summit in Tianjin. Both sides actively advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
We also strengthen cooperation within the UN, SCO, the “China–Central Asia” mechanism, CICA and other platforms. Together, we promote an accurate understanding of World War II history, firmly support the international system with the UN at its core, and uphold the international order based on international law. We practice genuine multilateralism, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization - contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
In October 2025, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee reviewed and adopted proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan. This systematic planning document sets strategic guidance for China’s socio-economic development in the coming years, adding stability and positive momentum to the global economy and opening new opportunities for China–Kazakhstan relations.
Under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan - guided by the goals of building a “Just Kazakhstan” and a digital nation - continues to deepen political and economic reforms, demonstrating strong internal potential and promising development prospects.
Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready - under the strategic guidance of our two heads of state - to better align our development strategies with Kazakhstan, deepen political mutual trust, uphold our traditions of friendship and ensure the high-quality implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. Together, we will write a new chapter in building a China–Kazakhstan community with a shared future.
