Partnership and progress Azerbaijan congratulates China

Yesterday, China celebrated a national holiday—the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. On October 1, 1949, in a country torn by imperialist and civil wars, the PRC was proclaimed thanks to the will and determination of the Communist Party of China under Mao Zedong. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this date marks the beginning of modern Chinese history.

Since then, the Middle Kingdom has faced numerous challenges. To transform a vast agrarian country not only into a prosperous nation but also into one capable of defending its independence, it had to be steered onto an industrial path.

All Chinese leaders have contributed, with varying degrees of success, to the development of modern China. Among them, Deng Xiaoping stands out for his wide-ranging reforms, which paved the way for what is now called the “Chinese miracle.” China opened up to the global market, rapidly adopting international experience and investment, and today has become a highly developed, high-tech superpower whose economic growth outpaces every other country. Having started as the world’s factory for mass-produced goods, China now confidently positions itself as a pioneer in modern technologies.

Notably, China received a further boost with the arrival of Xi Jinping as Chairman of the PRC in 2013. Among his many achievements, special mention should be made of the “Belt and Road” initiative, aimed at developing transport and logistics infrastructure to ensure the widespread and permanent access of Chinese goods to Eurasian markets.

It is through this initiative that the ever-expanding ties between China and Azerbaijan are closely connected. Although historical and cultural links between the two peoples date back to ancient times, over the past two decades these relations have been further strengthened and developed across multiple areas to the benefit of both countries. President Ilham Aliyev’s strategic vision has maximised the alignment of interests between China and Azerbaijan.

Since 2003, the President has made several official visits to China. During a visit in December 2015, a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Joint Support for the Establishment of the Silk Road Economic Belt” was signed. In September 2022, at a meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, the future directions for bilateral cooperation were outlined. From early 2023, a new wave of high-level exchanges began, with continued reciprocal visits.

Mutual interest and a shared understanding of strategic benefits led the two countries to adopt the “Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China” on July 3, 2024. As the name indicates, this declaration formally establishes China and Azerbaijan as strategic partners, marking a historic milestone and opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. In 2025 alone, President Aliyev visited China twice, underscoring that the relationship continues to develop within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

President Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Xi Jinping, in which he highlighted that developing relations with the PRC is one of Baku’s foreign policy priorities. He also noted the fruitful cooperation between the two countries across political, trade and economic, industrial, energy, transport and communications, investment, agricultural, humanitarian, and other spheres.

The letter states, in particular: “The successful implementation of the ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative, particularly the growth in shipments via its important component, the Middle Corridor, is highly commendable. At the same time, I believe that the entry into force of the visa-free travel agreement will provide a strong impetus for the development of people-to-people contacts and tourism, as well as for the deepening of economic, humanitarian, and cultural ties.”

In the context of a widespread escalation of the international situation, the trusting relationship between Baku and Beijing serves as a model of effective multi-vector foreign policy, aimed at countering the destructive actions of forces seeking to prevent stability in the South Caucasus. The Azerbaijan–China partnership is based on mutual support for sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan remains firmly committed to the “One China” policy, expressing full support for Beijing’s position on the Taiwan issue. In turn, China consistently supports Azerbaijan’s peaceful agenda, demonstrating solidarity in the South Caucasus regional policy.

In Azerbaijan, the respect and friendship of China’s leadership are highly valued, and the Azerbaijani people sincerely wish the Chinese nation peace and continued prosperity.