In the context of increasing interdependence among states and the growing complexity of international processes, the concept of a “Community of Shared Future” (人类命运共同体), proposed by the People’s Republic of China, is gaining special significance in global and regional politics.
First introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2012, this concept reflects China’s aspiration to build a new model of international relations based on the principles of mutual respect, joint development, and a shared future. This concept not only defines Beijing’s foreign policy priorities but also serves as a tool of soft power aimed at fostering stable political and economic ties with other countries.
In turn, Kazakhstan, as the largest country in Central Asia and a direct neighbour of China, holds a special place in the implementation of this strategy. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Astana in 2013, during which the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed, marked a turning point in bilateral relations, elevating them to a new level. Since then, China has regarded Kazakhstan as a key partner in advancing its Eurasian strategy and in shaping a regional space where states coordinate their efforts for mutual prosperity rather than compete.
Within the framework of bilateral cooperation, the idea of a community of shared future gains concrete meaning through the implementation of infrastructure projects, the development of trade and economic ties, and the strengthening of humanitarian and cultural exchanges. However, this path also presents certain challenges — ranging from public perceptions of China in Kazakhstan to the geopolitical ambitions of other powers in the region.
The Concept of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind
The term “community of shared future for mankind” became a central element of the foreign policy rhetoric of the People’s Republic of China after the 18th Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012. It reflected Beijing’s aspiration not only to strengthen cooperation with other states but also to shape a new model of global governance based on multipolarity, sustainable development, and respect for sovereignty. By promoting this concept, China has presented an alternative vision of international relations — one based not on the dominance of a single power centre, but on the principles of mutual benefit and equality.
At the same time, the concept serves as a key component of China’s “soft power,” creating an appealing image of the country as a peaceful and responsible global power. This is reflected in areas such as cultural diplomacy (through Confucius Institutes, cultural centres, and media), economic attractiveness and cooperation (favourable loans, investments, and the “One Belt, One Road” initiative), the promotion of the idea of shared development, and the dissemination of alternative values (harmony, stability, collectivism).
When viewed through the lens of international relations theories, the concept can be interpreted in various ways. From a realist perspective, it represents a strategic method for China to expand its influence without the use of direct force — interdependence, economic integration, and infrastructure investments become forms of “structural dominance.”
From a liberal standpoint, the idea of a “shared future” can be seen as an attempt to create a network of cooperation and mutually beneficial institutions, similar to the liberal international order, but not of Western origin.
From a constructivist point of view, China is shaping a new norm of behaviour in the international arena by appealing to Confucian values such as harmony, collective responsibility, and respect for state sovereignty.
Based on this, the Concept serves as a geopolitical framework for advancing China’s interests, particularly in neighbouring countries and regions. In this context, Central Asia is a strategic direction, as it possesses abundant natural resources and serves as a crucial transit zone between China, Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. Engagement with the Central Asian states — especially Kazakhstan — allows China to ensure the security of its western borders and to establish a belt of friendly countries integrated into China’s economic and technological sphere.
Thus, the concept of a “community of shared future” represents a multilayered strategic construct that combines ideological rhetoric, geoeconomic interests, and diplomatic tools of influence. In the context of China–Kazakhstan relations, it functions both as a means of deepening cooperation and as a challenge for Kazakhstan, which seeks to maintain a balance of interests among major powers while preserving its sovereignty and agency.
Development of Kazakhstan–China Relations within “Community of Shared Future for Mankind” concept
The history of Kazakhstan–China relations within the framework of the Concept should be viewed starting from the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which he delivered a speech at Nazarbayev University proposing the creation of the “Silk Road Economic Belt.” The goal was to unite the efforts of China and the Central Asian countries for joint prosperity and well-being, based on the principles of mutual trust, growing friendship, and expanding cooperation.
Following this historic visit, Kazakhstan and China transitioned to a format of comprehensive strategic partnership: major infrastructure projects were launched, and cooperation intensified within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Currently, Kazakhstan and China are at the stage of a comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses political, economic, energy, and humanitarian spheres. The relationship between the two countries is characterized by a high degree of institutionalization, regular high-level contacts, and active participation in joint international initiatives.
Political cooperation between the two nations is based on the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and support for sovereignty. Kazakhstan consistently affirms its commitment to the “One China” principle, while China demonstrates interest in maintaining Kazakhstan’s territorial integrity and political stability — a stance reaffirmed during meetings at all levels. Cooperation is actively developing within multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and the United Nations (UN). Both sides coordinate their positions on key regional and international security issues, including the fight against extremism, transnational crime, and drug trafficking.
Alongside this, a key element of bilateral relations is economic cooperation. China is among Kazakhstan’s top three trade and economic partners. As of 2024, bilateral trade turnover exceeded USD 44 billion, with a steady growth trend. Kazakhstan exports oil, uranium, metals, and agricultural products to China. In return, China exports equipment, consumer goods, and automobiles to Kazakhstan.
China also actively invests in the Kazakhstani economy: in 2024 alone, the volume of Chinese investments amounted to USD 1.2 billion, placing China among the top five foreign investors in Kazakhstan. The most significant projects include the construction of oil and gas pipelines, transport and logistics hubs, as well as the establishment of joint manufacturing ventures within the framework of Kazakhstan’s industrialization program.
It follows that one of the most successful areas of cooperation is the energy sector. Kazakhstan is an important supplier of oil and gas to China. In turn, Chinese corporations such as CNPC participate in the development of oil and gas fields, the construction of processing facilities, as well as in alternative energy projects. The two sides are also discussing a transition to “green energy” and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, in line with the sustainable development goals of both countries.
In addition, the Government of Kazakhstan is currently making a decision regarding potential contractors for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country, with the Chinese company CNNC among the contenders.
Alongside economic and energy aspects, humanitarian cooperation plays an important role in strengthening the societal foundation of bilateral relations. Chinese universities host thousands of Kazakhstani students, while Confucius Institutes in cities across Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Centers in China promote the languages and cultures of both countries. Cross-cultural Years of Tourism, Culture, and Youth Exchanges are held regularly. Cooperation is also actively developing in the fields of media, cinema, publishing, and academic exchanges.
At the same time, it is important to note that Kazakhstan is not merely an object of external influence but is shaping its own vision of participation in the building of a “community of shared future.” In the Kazakhstani context, this concept is viewed as an opportunity to deepen ties with China in alignment with national interests, including technological modernization, sustainable development, and the protection of sovereignty. The country advocates for an equal partnership and respect for the cultural specificity of the region.
The transformation of the Belt and Road Initiative into a “second generation” of projects, emphasizing the green economy, digitalization, and innovation, is of particular significance. This aligns with Kazakhstan’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality, developing renewable energy sources, and modernizing its industry. Cooperation with China in these areas could strengthen the implementation of Kazakhstan’s “New Industrial Forces” agenda.
Additionally, the “China–Central Asia” format is becoming an important platform for regional interaction, with Kazakhstan playing a leading role as both initiator and coordinator. This platform enhances Kazakhstan’s position and contributes to the development of a new model of multilateral relations, in which Central Asia acts as a collective entity.
Thus, the current state of Kazakhstan–China relations can be described as stable, resilient, and strategically calibrated. Both countries are interested in further deepening their cooperation, while Kazakhstan seeks to maintain political and economic balance by developing relations with China within the framework of its multi-vector foreign policy. China, in turn, views Kazakhstan as a key partner in Central Asia, a conduit for the Belt and Road Initiative, and an important element in building a “community of shared future” across the Eurasian region.
Risks and Challenges
Despite the stable development of bilateral relations and the ambitious political declarations regarding the formation of a “community of shared future,” the implementation of this concept faces a number of systemic challenges and limitations. These issues are both foreign and domestic in nature and require careful analysis and flexible diplomacy.
One of the main challenges for China in the region remains geopolitical rivalry with other major powers, particularly Russia and the West. China is actively advancing its economic and humanitarian agenda, which affects the interests of traditional players — primarily Russia, for whom Kazakhstan is part of its historical sphere of influence. Against the backdrop of growing Chinese presence, Kazakhstan, adhering to its multi-vector foreign policy, is compelled to balance between competing powers.
Another serious challenge is the presence of anti-Chinese sentiment within Kazakhstani society. Concerns about expansion, land acquisition, and environmental risks undermine trust in the idea of a “community of shared future,” demanding a more nuanced information policy from China.
Additional public concern stems from the potential economic and technological dependence of Kazakhstan on China. On one hand, Chinese investments provide the country with significant resources for the development of infrastructure, industry, and digital systems. On the other hand, there is a risk of increasing Kazakhstan’s dependence on Chinese goods.
Thus, the implementation of the “community of shared future” concept between China and Kazakhstan faces a range of serious challenges, including geopolitical constraints and great power competition, as well as internal socio-psychological barriers and the risk of economic dependence for Kazakhstan.
At the same time, the concept of a “community of shared future” holds particular significance for China–Kazakhstan relations. This approach implies long-term mutual interest, respect for sovereignty, a commitment to sustainable development, and a readiness to jointly address global and regional challenges.
Prospects for Further Deepening China–Kazakhstan Relations
The prospects for further deepening China–Kazakhstan relations within the framework of the “community of shared future” concept can be realized in the following key areas:
1) Establishing permanent coordination mechanisms in the fields of security, energy, technology, food security, and climate change;
2) Expanding industrial cooperation with a focus on creating added value within Kazakhstan, including clusters in mechanical engineering and the agro-industrial complex;
3) Implementing projects in renewable energy, carbon neutrality, and smart cities using Chinese technologies;
4) Launching joint platforms in media, science, and education, as well as expanding intercultural dialogue to ease public tensions and break down stereotypes;
5) Enhancing cooperation in combating extremism, drug trafficking, and transnational crime;
6) Developing shared digital infrastructure, establishing joint data processing centres, and promoting cybersecurity collaboration.
Kazakhstan and China are capable of moving from a pragmatic partnership to a deeper model of cooperation based on sustainable, equitable, and long-term collaboration. The concept of a community of shared future can serve not merely as rhetorical symbolism but as a new paradigm of international relations — one that is highly relevant in an era of global multipolarity and the crisis of classical globalization models.
Thus, the concept of a “community of shared future,” proposed by China as a response to the challenges of the 21st century, assigns a special role to Kazakhstan within the Eurasian context. Its geographical position, economic potential, and political stability make Kazakhstan a key partner for China in Central Asia. Over the course of three decades, the two countries have progressed from good-neighbourly relations to strategic cooperation encompassing trade, energy, technology, and the humanitarian sphere. China is interested in a stable transit corridor and access to resources, while Kazakhstan seeks investment, innovation, and access to external markets.
On the Path to a Full-Fledged “Community of Shared Future”
Challenges remain on the path to a full-fledged “community of shared future”: geopolitical competition among major powers and public concerns in Kazakhstan about potential Chinese expansion. This calls for the development of a more transparent and balanced model of cooperation that takes into account not only the interests of states but also public sentiment. At the same time, there remains significant potential for closer ties — capable of shaping a resilient partnership architecture of a new kind, which could serve as a relevant model for the entire region.
China Studies Centre
