On April 23, 2025, in Beijing, during a state visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan and China signed a “Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” This historic step highlights the two countries’ aspirations to deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, infrastructure, security, and culture. China supports Azerbaijan’s swift accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its peace agenda, positioning Azerbaijan as a strategic partner in the global trade system. This decision also responds to Western pressure regarding Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, clearly demonstrating that Azerbaijan increasingly relies on China as a trusted partner.
During the visit, Aliyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed unwavering support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its support for the “One China” principle, while China endorsed Azerbaijan’s peaceful initiatives. Numerous agreements were signed, including those on visa exemptions, humanitarian demining cooperation, legal assistance in criminal matters, and economic cooperation, all aimed at strengthening political trust between the two nations.
Economic cooperation was a key focus of the visit. In 2024, bilateral trade grew by 20.7%, reaching $3.7 billion, making China Azerbaijan’s top export partner. China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” aligns with Azerbaijan’s “Silk Road Revival” strategy, particularly in the development of the Trans-Caspian trade route, where cargo volume increased by 86% to 378,000 tons in 2024. The two sides plan to negotiate a free trade agreement, which will further deepen economic cooperation.
During the visit, more than 20 agreements were signed, covering science, technology, culture, and tourism. For instance, a cultural cooperation protocol for 2025–2029, memoranda on digital economy and green development, and an agreement between the mayors of Nakhchivan and China’s Urumqi to establish sister city relations, which will promote local-level cooperation. These efforts show that both countries are striving to strengthen not only economic but also cultural and educational ties, for example, through student exchange programs and the development of Confucius Institutes in Azerbaijan, where Chinese language and culture are taught.
Aliyev’s visit and the signed agreements are part of Azerbaijan’s geopolitical strategy, which aims to balance Western influence through cooperation with China and the Global South. China’s support for the successful hosting of COP29 and Azerbaijan’s leadership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) underscores Beijing’s growing interest in viewing Azerbaijan not only as a logistical hub but also as a strategic partner. However, the success of this partnership will depend on the ability of both sides to balance their interests amid global tensions.
