In recent years, relations between Azerbaijan and China have
reached a new qualitative level, largely thanks to the special
dynamic between President Ilham Aliyev and Chinese President Xi
Jinping. Their close dialogue and personal partnership have not
only laid the foundation for stronger bilateral ties between Baku
and Beijing, but have also become an important factor shaping
international processes across Eurasia.
On Sunday, the two leaders met again in Tianjin, ahead of the
SCO summit. The talks were held in an atmosphere of mutual
understanding and friendship, once more underscoring that Beijing
and Baku see their relationship as both strategic and long-term. It
is telling that Xi Jinping traditionally greets Ilham Aliyev with
the words “my dear friend”, emphasizing the personal connection and
the significance of the Azerbaijani leader – an element that
undoubtedly adds new momentum to the political and economic
partnership of the two countries.
Xi Jinping thanked President Ilham Aliyev for participating in
the “SCO Plus” summit and in the military parade marking the 80th
anniversary of China’s victory over Japan. These gestures by
President Ilham Aliyev were not only a mark of respect for China’s
historical legacy, but also a signal of Baku’s willingness to
actively engage in China’s multilateral initiatives.
A major focus of the dialogue was economic cooperation. Between
January and July of this year, trade turnover between Azerbaijan
and China reached $2.5 billion – 26.7% higher than in the same
period of 2024. Azerbaijani exports to China grew 4.5 times,
reaching $53.3 million, while imports from China exceeded $2
billion, making China Azerbaijan’s largest supplier of goods. This
growth reflects not only the strengthening of bilateral relations
but also Azerbaijan’s role as a key link in the “One Belt, One
Road” initiative. The country lies along crucial Middle Corridor
routes, giving Beijing direct access to European markets.
Energy, renewables, digital technologies, and artificial
intelligence are also becoming important areas of cooperation.
Chinese companies are showing strong interest in Azerbaijan’s green
energy projects, which fully align with Baku’s development
priorities.
Political support remains another cornerstone of the
partnership. Azerbaijan consistently backs China’s territorial
integrity and expresses solidarity on issues related to Taiwan,
Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. Beijing, in turn, supports Azerbaijan’s
growing role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where the
country is a dialogue partner and has applied for observer status.
With China’s support, Azerbaijan’s deeper involvement in the SCO
looks increasingly realistic, offering the country a stronger
international profile – from a regional player to a participant in
major Eurasian processes.
In essence, what is taking shape is a durable axis of trust and
mutual benefit between Baku and Beijing. The personal rapport
between President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping provides
the strength behind this axis, turning bilateral relations into a
driver of broader cooperation. At a time of growing global
turbulence, such partnerships – based on mutual respect, strategic
vision, and personal diplomacy – are becoming a vital foundation
for long-term stability and development across Eurasia.
