On June 16, 2025, the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, arrived in Kazakhstan’s capital city Astana on a state visit at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This two-day visit (June 16–17) marks a pivotal moment in the development of bilateral relations and opens a new chapter in the history of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan.
High-Level Reception and Protocol Escort
As the aircraft carrying the Chinese leader entered Kazakhstan’s airspace, it was escorted by fighter jets of the Kazakh Air Defense Forces until it landed at Astana International Airport. This high-level protocol escort underscored the exceptional significance of the visit and the respect Kazakhstan extends to China and its leader.
At the airport, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally welcomed the Chinese President. A guard of honor was assembled at the foot of the aircraft, while children waving the flags of both countries greeted the distinguished guest, symbolizing the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. The atmosphere was further enriched by welcoming remarks from children in Kazakh and Chinese, along with vibrant traditional dance performances showcasing the cultural richness of both nations.
Astana — A Hub of Diplomacy and Security
Unprecedented security measures were put in place for the visit. The city’s central streets were adorned with the national flags of China and Kazakhstan, security protocols were reinforced, and traffic was restricted in certain areas. These steps not only ensured safety but also highlighted the scale and importance of the upcoming negotiations and the international summit.
Substantive Talks and Signing of Agreements
On June 16, high-level talks were held between Xi Jinping and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. President Tokayev emphasized that the President of China is a “highly respected guest on Kazakh soil,” and his visit symbolizes the strong and sincere friendship between the two nations.
Following the talks, the two sides signed 24 intergovernmental and interagency documents spanning a wide range of fields:
Energy and renewable energy sources
Aerospace and satellite technologies
Digitalization and cross-border e-commerce
Agriculture and food security
Customs regulation and trade facilitation
Intellectual property protection and scientific exchanges
Tourism, healthcare, media, and interregional cooperation
Special emphasis was placed on agreements concerning mutual investment protection and technical cooperation, opening new opportunities for Kazakh businesses and expanding access to Chinese markets.
Statements from the Leaders: A Path to Shared Destiny
President Tokayev noted that “China never imposes political conditions in its cooperation with Kazakhstan,” making Sino-Kazakh relations a model of mutual respect and pragmatic partnership. He especially highlighted Xi Jinping’s contribution to building an unprecedentedly strong and multifaceted bilateral relationship.
In response, Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, noting that under Tokayev’s leadership, Kazakhstan is confidently advancing along the path of national renewal and sustainable development. He emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic importance in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and voiced confidence in deepening cooperation in the spirit of a shared future community.
Central Asia – China Summit
A key event of the visit will be Xi Jinping’s participation on June 17 in the Second Central Asia-China Summit, which will take place in Astana with the participation of all five regional countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This summit continues the process launched at the first summit held in Xi’an, China, in May 2023, and marks an important step toward institutionalizing the “C+C5” mechanism.
Leaders are expected to discuss enhancing connectivity, developing unified approaches to security, climate, and water resources, and creating joint production ventures, transportation and logistics hubs—all of which aim to elevate regional cooperation to a new level.
Historical Context of the Visit
This is Xi Jinping’s sixth visit to Kazakhstan, a fact that itself reflects the strategic depth of bilateral relations. In July 2024, during his previous visit, a record 32 agreements were signed. By the end of 2024, China remained Kazakhstan’s largest trade and economic partner, with a bilateral trade volume of USD 44 billion, marking an all-time high.
President Xi Jinping’s visit to Astana in 2025 provides powerful momentum for further strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China. It demonstrates the high level of mutual trust, shared interests, and joint commitment to building a just, sustainable, and multipolar world order in which Central Asia occupies a dignified and independent position.
China Studies Center
