An article by Ambassador Zhang Xiao of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan, which was entitled “China and Kazakhstan are building the future together”, was recently published in Kazakhstani media.

Giving an overview of the past year for his country, the Ambassador notes that China “fully implements the spirit of the XX National Congress of the Communist Party of China and coordinates both domestic and international situation, promoting sustainable economic recovery.” He underlines that in the first three quarters 2023, China’s GDP grew 5.2% year-on-year, “faster than major economies such as the US, the Eurozone and Japan”, and that it “continues to promote comprehensive opening up and international cooperation.”

In terms of bilateral relations, the Ambassador states that the “last year marked the beginning of another ‘golden thirty years’” between China and Kazakhstan, and the results were “fruitful” in the development of an “eternal comprehensive strategic partnership” between the two countries.

The article highlights six main factors for the development of bilateral relations. The diplomacy of the heads of state is credited for the qualitative progression of ties. Strengthening mutual political trust is also an important factor, expressed through the fact that “China and Kazakhstan continue to firmly support each other on issues of core interests, such as safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests, and resolutely oppose the interference of outside forces in the internal affairs of the state.” The article also emphasizes that China “firmly supports the path of independent development chosen by Kazakhstan and the measures taken by President [Tokayev] to build a ‘New Kazakhstan’”.

Another factor in the effective development of relations between the countries, according to Ambassador Zhang Xiao, are frequent visits at various levels. In addition, he notes that the joint construction of the “One Belt and One Road” project laid the foundation for new routes. Thanks to this cooperation in the eleven months of 2023, the volume of trade between China and Kazakhstan reached US$36.87 billion, representing an annual increase of 31.1%. China has become Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and the fifth largest source of investments.

The article also notes that the countries have achieved significant results in the field of humanitarian and cultural cooperation while also maintaining effective international cooperation.

This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and both countries, according to Ambassador Zhang Xiao, “will work together to build a Chinese-Kazakh community of common destiny, characterized by eternal friendship, a high degree of mutual trust, and interconnectedness and make a new contribution to promoting international and regional security, stability, development and prosperity”.