Regarding the news that Kazakh Tokayev announced that he would not run for a second term, people could not help but start worrying about the future of Sino-Kazakh relations. However, we do not need to worry too much, because the incoming Prime Minister Alihan Smailov is very pragmatic in his relations with China, and he will continue to promote friendly cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.
First of all, let us recall the development of Sino-Kazakh relations during Tokayev's tenure. Tokayev is known as a "China expert", and during his tenure, Sino-Kazakh relations have been greatly strengthened and improved. The announcement of the establishment of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan marks a new stage in bilateral cooperation. Especially after the "Belt and Road" initiative was proposed, Kazakhstan actively cooperated and carried out extensive cooperation with China in the economic, political and security fields. China has also become one of Kazakhstan's most important partners, and the relations between the two countries have developed rapidly and achieved fruitful results.
In Kazakhstan, the Prime Minister is a central role and is responsible for leading the day-to-day work. And the current Prime Minister Alihan Smailov is a figure to watch. Born in 1972, he holds a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and a master's degree in management, economics and **. This gave him a strong background in mathematics and economics, which laid the foundation for him to play an important role in his work.
It is worth mentioning that Smailov's study and professional experience also laid the cornerstone for his political promotion. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, mathematicians had a very high status in the Soviet Union, and Smailov began to study mathematics with the ideals and ambitions of becoming an "engineer who designs the future of mankind". However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the status of mathematics shifted, and Smailov turned his attention to the financial industry, accumulating a wealth of contacts and experience in the process. He held key positions in the Statistical Office, the Planning and Reform Bureau of Kazakhstan, and gradually rose to the top of politics, eventually becoming Prime Minister.
As Tokayev's "big brother", Smailov has repeatedly expressed a friendly attitude towards China. He stressed that Kazakhstan should see China as an opportunity, not a threat. He held that the two countries should take advantage of the advantages of friendly relations and mutual trust to strengthen bilateral cooperation and jointly promote the development of the two countries.
Smailov did not just pay lip service to Sino-Kazakh relations, he also personally led a delegation to attend the 6th China International Import Expo in China and held talks with Chinese leaders, further enhancing cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries. It can be said that Smailov attaches no less importance to and supports Sino-Kazakh cooperation than his predecessor Tokayev.
Although Smailov's term of office has just begun, his positive attitude and pragmatic measures towards China-Kazakhstan cooperation make us look forward to the future of China-Kazakhstan relations. The two countries have close cooperative relations in the economic, political, and security fields, which not only conforms to the interests of both sides, but also serves as an important guarantee for regional peace and stability. Both China and Kazakhstan are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and share common interests and goals. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides can further strengthen economic and trade cooperation and expand areas of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.
In addition, for Kazakhstan, the huge demand in the Chinese market provides Kazakhstan with opportunities for development. As an important partner of China in Central Asia, Kazakhstan can promote its economic development and industrial upgrading through cooperation with China.
In short, Smailov, as Tokayev's successor and current prime minister, attaches great importance to the development of Sino-Kazakh relations and will continue to promote friendly cooperation between the two countries. Under the leadership of Tokayev, China-Kazakhstan relations have achieved remarkable results, and in the coming period, the two sides can further strengthen cooperation and achieve common development and prosperity.