China, Kazakhstan reaffirm strategic partnership ahead of AI summit

China and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding one of Central Asia's closest strategic partnerships, with senior officials signalling stronger cooperation in diplomacy, economic development and multilateral affairs ahead of a high profile visit by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The renewed commitment came during talks in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev, as preparations continue for Tokayev's participation in the 2026 World AI Conference and High Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in China.

Wang said the upcoming visit would provide an opportunity for President Xi Jinping and Tokayev to conduct strategic discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and identifying new areas of cooperation. He said Beijing remained committed to implementing the consensus reached by the two leaders, describing the relationship as one built on enduring friendship, strategic trust and shared development goals.

China also reiterated its support for Kazakhstan's domestic development path, saying it was prepared to broaden practical cooperation across multiple sectors while further deepening what both governments describe as a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Regional and international cooperation featured prominently during the meeting. Wang welcomed Kazakhstan's decision to join the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), saying the move would strengthen efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution and reinforce international fairness and justice through multilateral cooperation.

Kosherbayev, meanwhile, congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, while describing the close relationship between President Xi and President Tokayev as a key driver of bilateral ties.

He said Kazakhstan's independent foreign policy places China among its highest diplomatic priorities and stressed that cooperation between the two neighbours would not be influenced by external parties.

Kosherbayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan's adherence to the One China policy and expressed support for China's core national interests, while pledging to deepen collaboration across economic, political and regional initiatives.

Following the talks, Kazakhstan formally signed the convention establishing the International Organization for Mediation, marking another step in expanding cooperation with China on international governance initiatives.

The meeting comes as Beijing intensifies diplomatic engagement with regional partners ahead of the World AI Conference, where artificial intelligence governance is expected to feature prominently on the international agenda alongside discussions on technology cooperation and global standards.

Source: Government of the People's Republic of China