Chinese President to Attend SCO Summit in Kazakhstan

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Kazakhstan to participate in the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will be held in Astana from July 2-6.

This visit comes on the heels of the III Kazakhstan-China Interregional Cooperation Forum, where Kazakh and Chinese companies signed 17 agreements worth a total of $629 million.

During his visit, President Xi will engage in discussions with Kazakh leaders on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, they will exchange views on pressing international and regional issues.

Ahead of the high-profile delegations, Kazakh authorities are implementing extensive security measures. Four cities – Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, and Kokshetau – have declared a moderate (yellow) level of terrorist threat to ensure the safety of all attendees. This level of threat involves several precautionary steps, including restrictions on vehicle and pedestrian movement in certain areas, increased patrols with canine units in public spaces, and rigorous inspections of vulnerable facilities and key transit points such as airports, metro stations, and bus terminals.

These measures are in place from 12:01 AM on July 2 until 11:59 PM on July 4.

The last meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and his Chinese counterpart took place in Beijing in October 2023, during which the parties signed 23 crucial agreements, including a bilateral visa exemption arrangement.

Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, plays a crucial role as a cross-continental transit hub rich in mineral and oil resources. Its strategic location positions it as a vital gateway for China's Belt and Road Initiative, linking Kazakh railways with this global logistics network. In 2015, the two sides agreed to link Kazakhstan’s railways to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, incorporating the capital city, Astana, into the global mega-logistics project.

Sharing a 1,700-kilometer border, Kazakhstan is a key energy-rich neighbor for China. Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has seen China become its largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting $31.5 billion. China is also Kazakhstan's fourth-largest investor. 

In addition, both countries are committed to promoting global development, security, and civilization initiatives, aligning with the "Concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind." They firmly oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, advocating for a collaborative international order.