Azerbaijan, China deepen strategic partnership, enhance regional cooperation

Azerbaijan and China have significantly deepened their strategic partnership, highlighted by President Ilham Aliyev's recent state visit to Beijing, where the two countries signed a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' agreement. This move is seen as a calculated step by both nations to reshape Eurasia’s connectivity and energy dynamics, with a major focus on renewable energy cooperation and substantial Chinese investment in Azerbaijani green energy projects. The partnership also includes a mutual visa exemption agreement, aiming to facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people ties. Analysts note that Azerbaijan's alignment with China marks a strategic pivot, expanding its influence beyond the regional level and positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global order. The deepening relationship is rooted in longstanding ties initiated in the 1990s and reinforced by current leaders, reflecting both countries' ambitions to influence the broader geopolitical landscape.