China-Kazakhstan Relations

The China model with different outcomes: Lessons from Kazakhstan and Thailand

Despite ambitious plans, deep pockets and expanding ties with China, neither Kazakhstan nor Thailand has achieved sustained structural transformation. Academic Guanie Lim analyses what went wrong. 

Guanie Lim

29 Dec 2025

Xi builds his sphere of stability in Central Asia

At this year’s China-Central Asia Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping made sure to solidify China’s geopolitical position by reinforcing ties with each of the Central Asia countries — a move aimed at maintaining stability despite global tensions and uncertainty. Academic Ghulam Ali explains.

Ghulam Ali

26 Jun 2025

[Big read] Kazakhstan's economic emergence amid US-China-Russia power struggle

Kazakhstan's development since gaining independence in 1991 has led it to become a leader in the Central Asia region. With much potential still waiting to be explored in this resource-rich country, Kazakhstan is walking a tightrope to balance its relations with the US, China and Russia. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong shares findings from her visit.

Han Yong Hong

11 Aug 2023

China's softening stance on its 'no limits' relations with Russia

The lateral move of "Russia expert" Le Yucheng from the Chinese foreign ministry to the National Radio and Television Administration is undoubtedly a career setback for the man once tipped to be the next foreign minister. Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong explores possible reasons for the move and opines that it could indicate Beijing's changing attitude towards Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Edwin Ong

16 Jun 2022

US, Russia and China using Kazakhstan unrest as a proxy

China and Russia have been quick to point to external hands, namely the US's, in stoking recent unrest in Kazakhstan. But the main issue is not so much what precipitated the unrest, but how it has been expedient for major players US, Russia and China to capitalise on it for geopolitical gain. Zhang Chi analyses the situation.

Zhang Chi

21 Jan 2022

China and Russia compete for influence in Central Asia

China-Russia rivalry in the Central Asian region is intensifying, with the US's departure from Afghanistan and the two countries seeking to fill the power vacuum by working within their Central Asian spheres of dominance. Can the two powers work together to foster greater regional stability or will they let their competitiveness get the better of them?

Zhang Chi

18 Jan 2022

China and Russia's shared interest in preventing a pro-US Kazakhstan

To help quell the current unrest in Kazakhstan, Russia sent troops while China gave only verbal support to Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Despite their different levels of commitment, Russia and China share a common desire not to see Kazakhstan developing closer ties with the US. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan analyses the situation.

Yu Zeyuan

10 Jan 2022

Chinese nationalist internet warriors creating diplomatic disputes for China

China is finding out that overzealous nationalist internet warriors can do its foreign relations more harm than good. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu learns that China's neighbouring countries are taking these internet voices seriously because of China's unique political system. 　　

Yang Danxu

17 Apr 2020