Strategic partnership between Azerbaijan, China A new era of bilateral relations

Caliber.Az interview with Aibolot Aidosov, Kyrgyz political scientist, Master of China Studies at Zhejiang University.

- On July 3, "Joint Declaration on Establishing Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China" was adopted on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit held in Astana. How do you assess the potential of this declaration?

- The declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership with China is a great success of the Azerbaijani side, which has been working towards it for a long time. This process, in my opinion, took place in several stages, everything was thought out and justified here. The first stage was to form an opinion of Azerbaijan as a strong and reliable partner for Central Asian countries, active involvement in the work of regional organisations, events held in Astana and Bishkek.

The second stage is building bilateral relations with Central Asian countries, which has not gone unnoticed by Beijing.

I have no doubt that all this strategic work in the region implied, as one of the final points, the conclusion of an important agreement with China. It can also be said that China looked at Baku and its actions for a long time before making a choice and signing the declaration in Astana.

- Which would you call the cornerstone points in the declaration?

- In my opinion, the declaration touches upon practically the whole spectrum of relations between the two countries and takes into account the interests of both Azerbaijani and Chinese sides. I would note two points as important. The first is cooperation and building a common position on Taiwan, as well as on Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. Thus, it can be noted that both sides have come to the opinion that they will adhere to one line on these issues.

The second point is the work within the framework of Beijing's global initiative "One Belt, One Road". Azerbaijan understands well that the world and the world order are changing, and in this new reality it is important to have a reliable partner, such as China, which has great ambitions and potential to become at least one of the leaders of the new world.

And Azerbaijan is acting very wisely in this regard, building strong relations with this state. The "One Belt, One Road" project is one of such platforms for building relations between Baku and Beijing, and I think Azerbaijan has acted far-sightedly in undertaking this co-operation.

I believe this is just the beginning of fundamental relations between Baku and Beijing, the document contains a lot of interesting initiatives, such as opening cultural centres in both countries, creating economic institutions and much more.

There is a feeling that as a result of this cooperation Azerbaijan would like to have not vague but firm positions of this interaction, a multi-vector roadmap within the framework of the new world that is being formed now before our eyes.

- What place does Azerbaijan occupy in China's policy?

- I think Azerbaijan is becoming one of China's most reliable partners in the region. And this, of course, will influence the balance of power both in the CIS and in the South Caucasus. Having such a partner as China, Azerbaijan will noticeably strengthen its positions. All this is an indicator of rapid and impressive growth of Azerbaijan's authority at the international level.

- What positive impact can the joint declaration of Baku and Beijing bring to the countries of Central Asia?

- Azerbaijan is turning the South Caucasus and Central Asia into one large region with its global initiatives. For China, for example, it is very favourable for Azerbaijan to have one such large regional ally, which in the future may even lead a whole regional association of countries, and with whom China will communicate as the main moderator of processes within this vast geography of cooperation.

This is a very big ambitious plan implemented by Azerbaijan: here, through step-by-step, Baku, the South Caucasus and Central Asia can really become one association with a common roadmap and vision of geopolitical processes. It sounds futuristic at first glance, but we see how things are happening in the world now that only recently seemed very difficult to realise.

- Will the collective West, given its attitude towards China, be satisfied such close cooperation between Baku and Beijing?

- Undoubtedly, the declaration between Baku and Beijing will be scrupulously studied by Western centres of power, as well as by Armenia and its allies. It is possible that other countries in the South Caucasus will also want to strengthen their ties with China, and such a reaction is also possible.

However, those who today adhere to the Western line will surely be alarmed by this move by Azerbaijan. As a result, Azerbaijan and other Central Asian countries may face some general ill-will from the West. However, one should not expect any harsh condemnation from the West now; they simply would not dare to do so.

But if relations between Azerbaijan, the Central Asian countries and China continue to strengthen and develop successfully, and Chinese interests are more widely represented and receive tangible support in Eurasia, I admit that the West may take certain negative steps.