Kazakhstan Eyes Innovation with China, EU in Wait

 

Kazakhstan's rapprochement with China is remoulding Central Asia's political order, encouraging the European Union to redefine its role in the strategically located, resource-rich country.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent trip to China, taking part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and the China-Kazakhstan Business Council, placed Astana in further alignment with Beijing.

"Kazakhstan is emerging as a robust middle power with aspirations to be a leader of innovation and sustainable development," Tokayev stated in Beijing.

Two way commerce with China reached a new high of USD 44 billion in 2024 with more than 6,000 Chinese companies active in Kazakhstan.

Key highlights:

• Kazakhstan-China trade reaches USD 44 billion in 2024, with over 6,000 Chinese firms active across key sectors like energy, transport, and technology
• President Tokayev emphasizes multi-vector diplomacy, reaffirming Kazakhstan's openness to strengthening ties with the European Union
• EU faces pressure to deepen engagement, as experts warn of declining influence amid China's growing footprint in Central Asia

Major projects are the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Shymkent oil refinery modernisation, highlighting the continued influence of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

However, Kazakhstan keeps pursuing multi-vector diplomacy. "We are open to all partnerships that contribute to our modernisation and sovereignty," Tokayev stated, while hinting at strengthening EU relations.

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The European Union continues to be Kazakhstan's biggest trading and investment partner, especially in strategic raw materials and the energy transition. Yet, experts caution against lost momentum. "Europe must move now, or risk losing influence," a senior EU diplomat in Brussels claimed. Kazakhstan is not asking for raw commodity trade it is asking for value-added cooperation. While China presents its alliance as one of "travelling companions on the road to modernisation," Brussels has to consider whether it will follow that path too not to rival, but to cooperate in green technology, security, and extended regional stability.