Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, including sanctions and armed conflicts, Azerbaijan and China are offering a different path—one focused on sustainable development, security, and constructive cooperation. This approach emphasizes non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and avoids confrontational alliances or “friendships against” third parties.
The recent official visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to China marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship. The visit featured a high-level reception and the signing of a number of agreements, culminating in the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China.
While such agreements are often symbolic and vulnerable to global political shifts, this particular case reflects a different reality. The partnership appears to be the result of long-term collaboration and mutual trust between two politically stable countries, whose leaders—Ilham Aliyev and Xi Jinping—enjoy strong international credibility. The partnership is less a reaction to current events and more a deliberate strategy for long-term cooperation and growth.
In their joint statement, the two leaders affirmed mutual respect for each country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to choose its own development path. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its support for the One-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inseparable part of Chinese territory. In turn, China expressed its support for Azerbaijan’s peace agenda and rejected confrontational geopolitical strategies.
This pragmatic and sovereign-based cooperation aligns with the core principles of both countries’ foreign policies. Baku and Beijing have consistently distanced themselves from global political games, choosing instead to focus on economic development, infrastructure, and stable, mutually beneficial partnerships.
A key example of this approach is China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has already attracted over a trillion dollars in investment. The BRI promotes modernization, sustainable economic growth, and stronger regional connectivity. Azerbaijan plays a central role in this initiative due to its strategic location and political stability.
Despite skepticism from some Western nations, interest in the BRI remains high, even among countries outside the Western bloc. Some governments, despite acknowledging the benefits, continue to obstruct parts of the initiative for political reasons.
The joint statement between Aliyev and Xi highlights plans to deepen cooperation across numerous sectors—from green energy and digital industrial transformation to the creation of reliable transportation routes, including the Trans-Caspian corridor. A joint working group on investment cooperation will be established to cover a wide range of economic fields.
Security is another key area of cooperation. The statement emphasizes the importance of jointly fighting terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, while also enhancing cybersecurity collaboration. Both sides commit to ensuring the safety of bilateral projects and the personnel involved.
Equally important is the shared commitment to a rules-based international order. The two countries reject hegemonic policies and support universal values such as peace, justice, equality, democracy, and freedom. They aim to help build a new type of international relations and a shared future for humanity.
Despite some criticism of China’s concept of “soft power”—often viewed with suspicion in certain circles—Beijing continues to promote its development model without imposing it on others. Azerbaijan, for its part, views China’s initiatives not as a threat, but as an opportunity for economic and political progress.
In this context, the Azerbaijan–China strategic partnership stands out as an important element in shaping a more balanced and inclusive global order. Azerbaijan’s efforts to expand cooperation with Iran further underscore Baku’s pragmatic and flexible foreign policy, aimed at strengthening its role in the Global South and promoting long-term regional development.
