On April 24, 2025, the scientific and analytical seminar entitled “Chinese Modernization amid Global Economic Transformation” was held in Astana, organized by the China Studies Center. The event brought together leading Kazakhstani experts in the fields of international relations, law, medicine, economics, and geopolitics.
At the current stage of the international system’s development, China remains one of the key actors shaping the landscape of the global economy. In the context of growing instability, trade wars, technological fragmentation, and climate change, the Chinese model of modernization is gaining particular importance as both a domestic strategy for sustainable growth and an instrument of foreign policy influence. This model increasingly diverges from traditional Western development approaches and forms its own path, adapted to China’s cultural, historical, and political characteristics.
The seminar analyzed the main features of Chinese modernization and examined how it is transforming in response to global economic challenges. Particular attention was paid to the significance of this strategy for China’s partners, especially the countries of Central Asia and Kazakhstan.
The welcoming remarks were delivered by Gulnar Shaimergenova, Director of the China Studies Center, who emphasized that in a period of geopolitical turbulence and growing economic instability, China demonstrates an example of an adaptive and strategically sound approach to modernization. “The Chinese model combines internal resilience, technological sovereignty, and environmental responsibility. For Kazakhstan, this represents an important vector for understanding the potential for cooperation and shaping its own development agenda,” she noted.
A welcome address was also given by Xin Fangfang, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan, who expressed gratitude for the organization of the event and highlighted the importance of the China-Kazakhstan dialogue in the context of current global challenges.
She emphasized the resilience of the Chinese economy and highlighted the course toward high-quality development and openness, as outlined in the outcomes of the 2025 “Two Sessions.”
Xin Fangfang condemned the United States’ protectionist tariff measures and underscored China’s commitment to the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. Particular attention was paid to the initiative for a community with a shared future for mankind and Kazakhstan’s role as a key partner within the framework of aligning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the “Just Kazakhstan” strategy.
China views Kazakhstan as its most important partner in Central Asia. It was noted that over the past 33 years, bilateral relations have reached the level of strategic partnership, and the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the “Just Kazakhstan” strategy will open new prospects for deepening cooperation.
In conclusion, the Chinese side reaffirmed that the Chinese economy is “an ocean, not a pond,” capable of weathering any storm. China will consistently deepen reform, openness, and modernization, while maintaining stability and confidence in global development.
The seminar featured presentations covering a wide range of topics: from legal aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation in medicine to geopolitical prospects for cooperation between Central Asia and China.
Dr. Kanat Abdilov, PhD, Head of the Department of Medical Law and Ethics at Astana Medical University, delivered a presentation on “AI in Chinese Modernization: Legal and Ethical Lessons for Kazakhstan in the Context of Global Change.” He analyzed China’s experience in regulating artificial intelligence in the medical field and emphasized the need to adapt such approaches in Kazakhstan. “We see how China strives to balance technological progress with ethical and legal norms. This experience is especially important for us—as a country integrated into the Belt and Road Initiative and as a nation developing digital medical solutions,” he stated.
Dr. Jamaladen Ibragimov, Doctor of Law and Professor at the Department of Constitutional and Civil Law at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, highlighted the importance of forming a modern legal framework to support digital transformation and cross-border cooperation. He identified three key areas of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China:Infrastructure connectivity within the BRI: Kazakhstan plays a key role in the China–Europe land route, implementing large-scale projects such as Khorgos and the “Land Bridge.” Energy and digitalization: The implementation of the “Digital Silk Road” and joint energy projects with China ensure technological progress, export growth, and new job creation. Humanitarian cooperation: The expansion of educational and cultural exchanges strengthens mutual understanding and creates a sustainable foundation for long-term partnership.
The professor stressed that the successful development of these areas requires not only economic efforts but also reliable legal support.
Ulan Nukhitzhan, Senior Researcher of the “Country Priorities of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan” group at the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, focused on the transformation of the cooperation model between Central Asian countries and China. He noted that Chinese modernization opens new horizons, while Kazakhstan plays a strategic role as a logistical and economic hub of Eurasia.
In his speech, Professor Yerlan Kudys of the Management Department at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University presented a report on the role of modern management strategies in achieving sustainable development, drawing on the Chinese model as a source of practical guidance. The professor emphasized that China’s modernization paradigm demonstrates a unique combination of state planning and market mechanisms. This approach, he argued, can serve as a source of managerial inspiration for the countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan.
During the final discussion session, participants addressed the consequences of rising trade tensions between the United States and China. Experts voiced opinions on the risks to the global economy, disruptions in supply chains, currency instability, and offered recommendations for Kazakhstan regarding the diversification of trade relations, support for local production, and the strengthening of economic sovereignty.
As emphasized by the leadership of the China Studies Center, the seminar served as a timely platform for interdisciplinary analysis of China’s development strategy and the elaboration of approaches applicable to the Kazakhstani context. The ideas voiced will serve as the foundation for future research and bilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China.
China Studies Center, Astana
