Kazakhstan’s State Visit to China Highlights Bilateral Relations and Multilateral Engagement

Economic Ties and New Agreements Strengthen China-Kazakhstan Cooperation

During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to China and participation in the China-Central Asia Summit, the emphasis on bilateral relations and multilateral interaction showcased Kazakhstan’s eagerness to engage with China. Raffaello Pantucci, an expert on China’s relations with Central Asia, highlighted the importance of economic ties and predicted further development in various domains, including large-scale investments, construction, new technologies, and green energy. The signing of agreements in Xi’an, particularly in sectors such as minerals, oil and gas, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, demonstrates the potential for fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

Strategic Significance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

Pantucci discussed the increasing attractiveness of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, which connects Southeast Asia, China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and European countries. While acknowledging the potential for more investment in this route, he noted the uncertainties surrounding its ability to rival routes via Russia. Overcoming the challenges and expanding capacity to compete with Russia’s established influence in the region would require substantial effort and investment.

The China-Central Asia Summit: Strengthening Cooperation and Engaging with Beijing

The first in-person China-Central Asia Summit reaffirmed China’s commitment to coordinating development strategies with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Pantucci highlighted the significance of China hosting this summit, reflecting the willingness of Central Asian states to engage with Beijing. In contrast, the G7 leaders’ statements on China’s assertive foreign policy during their meeting in Japan underscored the evolving geopolitical landscape. Pantucci emphasized that greater Central Asian cooperation and unity would enhance the region’s resilience in a world where conflicts between major powers become more frequent.

Promoting Regional Comity and Positive Engagement within Central Asia

Pantucci emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and unity among Central Asian countries to navigate the shrinking space for maneuvering between China and Russia. Encouraging initiatives like creating a business grouping between the five Central Asian countries and China, along with President Tokayev’s proposal for Kazakhstan as a transit and storage location, can foster positive dynamics within the C5 format. While there are still limitations to regional comity, exemplified by tensions between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and the lack of cooperation on Afghanistan among Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Turkmen, the increased engagement with outside powers presents promising opportunities for the region as a whole.

European Union-Central Asia Economic Forum: Strengthening Cooperation and Economic Opportunities

Alongside the China-Central Asia Summit, the second European Union-Central Asia Economic Forum in Almaty focused on EU-Kazakhstan cooperation, trade, investment, and economic opportunities between Central Asia and Europe. The forum provided a platform for discussions and highlighted the potential for positive regional engagement within Central Asia. However, challenges such as tensions between countries and lack of cooperation on certain issues persist. Nonetheless, the overall trend of increased engagement with outside powers and unity among Central Asian countries bodes well for the region’s future.