Kazakhstan turns away from Russia as China promises massive investments
Photo: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (t.me nexta live)
Kazakhstan strengthens cooperation with China by signing over 70 agreements. This move highlights the country’s intention to reduce dependence on Moscow, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
China and Kazakhstan signed 70 commercial agreements worth more than $15 billion, covering:
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Energy,
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Transport,
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Metallurgy,
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Agriculture,
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High technology.
A key focus is the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which links China with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, bypassing Russian territory.
Freight volumes are expected to grow to 10 million tons in the coming years, compared to the current 2–3 million.
In the energy sector, the parties will involve China Power, China Energy, and China Huadian Corporation in the development of renewable capacities and the construction of a new thermal power plant, while CNPC will help modernize the Shymkent oil refinery.
In industry, plans include launching a car plant in Almaty to produce Great Wall, Chery, and Changan vehicles, as well as BYD electric buses, along with a metallurgy project by Fujian Hengwang Investment.
In agriculture, Dalian Group will invest $650 million in grain processing, while Fufeng Group will develop a corn-processing facility.
"The expansion of cooperation between Beijing and Astana underscores China’s growing role in Central Asia and Kazakhstan’s reduced dependence on Russian routes and energy influence," intelligence officials stressed.
Earlier this summer, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan. According to Bloomberg, the trip was aimed at strengthening China’s influence in Central Asia amid Russia’s overall weakening.
There was also a view that Beijing seeks to ensure economic stability in case of further escalation of relations with Washington.
Xi Jinping’s visit to Kazakhstan was already the third since 2020, highlighting the special importance of this country in China’s foreign policy course.
Last month, the leaders of Ukraine and Kazakhstan discussed the dangers of dividing independent states and the need for lasting peace.
In particular, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a good and meaningful conversation with the President of Kazakhstan.
