Tokayev gives interview to Xinhua on Kazakhstan-China ties

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave an exclusive written interview to Xinhua news agency. He said bilateral trade reached nearly $50 billion in 2025, up 11 percent, and $27.2 billion in the first half of 2026, up almost a quarter. Tokayev described Kazakhstan-China relations as being at an unprecedentedly high level.
Key Facts
- Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China reached nearly $50 billion in 2025, up 11 percent.
- In the first six months of 2026, trade turnover hit $27.2 billion, a nearly 25 percent increase.
- China ranks first among Kazakhstan's foreign trade partners.
- Tokayev thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for his good attitude toward Kazakhstan and understanding of its role as an influential Eurasian power.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Tokayev highlighted that bilateral trade continues to set new records. By the end of 2025, trade volume approached $50 billion, an increase of 11 percent. In the first half of 2026, trade turnover reached $27.2 billion, showing growth of almost a quarter. China occupies first place among Kazakhstan's foreign trade partners. Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is interested not only in quantitative growth of trade but also in changing the structure of economic cooperation.
Strategic Partnership and Political Dialogue
Tokayev stated that Kazakh-Chinese relations are currently at an unprecedentedly high level. He expressed sincere gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his good attitude toward Kazakhstan and understanding of its role as an influential Eurasian power. The constant political dialogue has become a key center of the Kazakh-Chinese strategic partnership. Meetings between the two leaders always take place in an open and trusting atmosphere. They thoroughly discuss key issues of the bilateral agenda and compare positions on current problems of regional and global development.