China and Kazakhstan have a strong historical link of diplomatic and economic relations. The two countries share a border of nearly 1,800 kilometers and enjoy bilateral trade with a value that has surpassed 20 billion US dollars. Kazakhstan’s geographical location is vital to the success of China’s One Belt One Road, because it functions as a bridge between East Asia and the West.

Diplomatic ties between Astana and Beijing developed shortly after the collapse of the former Soviet Union, with both countries moving on to co-found the "Shanghai Five," also known as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The group has grown in size to consist of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and will be joined by India and Pakistan later in 2017 at the SCO's summit in Astana.

This year, Kazakhstan and China celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations. Ever since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, economic relations have thrived. China has surpassed Russia as the region's main investor, in a number of sectors including energy and railways. 

Cooperation between the two countries is progressing, however understanding between both needs improvement. While China is trying to promote a positive non-partisan image, Kazakhstan remains a nation still at a crossroads, both geographically and politically. While it wants China’s investments, it fears the possible costs, and a return to the lows of its Soviet past.