A Win-Win Relationship between China and Kazakhstan: Thinking Beyond Dependency

Abstract

This article focuses on the economic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan from a win-win perspective. Kazakhstan’s geographical location and rich natural resources make it a strategic partner for regional and global actors. Dependency theory is often used to explain asymmetric and unequal relations between developed and developing countries. According to this theory, developing countries become dependent on developed countries, which hinders their economic development. However, it is argued that this traditional theory cannot fully explain only partially China and Kazakhstan. Economic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan has been analyzed through trade relations, investment flows, and significant infrastructure projects. These projects reinforce not only financial but also political and cultural interactions. Dependency theory cannot fully understand the relations between China and Kazakhstan, characterized by mutual benefit and win-win situations. China’s investments in Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy approach reveal a cooperation model that serves the interests of both countries. China’s BRI initiative and Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol program are concrete examples of cooperation between the two countries. This article goes beyond the boundaries of traditional dependency theory and offers a new perspective based on mutual benefit and win-win relationships.