Xi Jinping and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Strengthen Strategic AI and Trade Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met in Shanghai on July 16, 2026, to advance their permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. The meeting occurred during Tokayev's visit to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.

Xi proposed closer alignment of development strategies, specifically linking China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) with Kazakhstan's National Development Plan through 2029. He offered to share artificial intelligence and digital economy technologies to support Kazakhstan's digital transformation and suggested expanding direct flights and cross-border e-commerce models. Both leaders called for enhanced cooperation in mineral resources, energy, and connectivity.

Tokayev reaffirmed that relations with China are the top priority of Kazakhstan's foreign policy and expressed support for China's four major global initiatives. The visit concluded with the signing of cooperation agreements covering finance, media, transport, economy, and trade.

Prior to the summit, Kazakh Ambassador Shakhrat Nuryshev noted that bilateral trade reached a record $48.7 billion in 2025. He highlighted that China has become the largest trading partner for all five Central Asian countries, with total regional trade exceeding $100 billion for the first time in 2025.