By Elena Kosolapova
Azeri Observer Staff Writer
Record trade figures, major renewable energy projects and growing cooperation in artificial intelligence are giving fresh momentum to Azerbaijan-China relations. With bilateral trade reaching $3.46 billion in the first nine months of 2026, China is strengthening its position as one of Azerbaijan’s key economic partners. Meanwhile, cooperation in transport, energy, education and technology is creating new opportunities for both countries. Speaking at a briefing for journalists, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei highlighted the progress achieved in bilateral relations and outlined prospects for further cooperation, emphasizing the strategic importance of ties between Baku and Beijing.
“Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, China-Azerbaijan relations are developing dynamically and have considerable potential,” the ambassador said.
Political dialogue
High-level contacts have intensified throughout 2026. Among the Azerbaijani officials who visited China were Speaker of the Parliament Sahiba Gafarova, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. China has also maintained an active diplomatic presence in Azerbaijan. In May, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited Baku to participate in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) as a special representative of President Xi Jinping. More recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Azerbaijan for the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The ambassador also highlighted visits by China’s Prosecutor General Ying Yong and Liu Haixing, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in September, which contributed to judicial cooperation and inter-party relations.
Renewable energy and the Middle Corridor
Economic cooperation remains a key pillar of the partnership. In 2026, China has retained its position as Azerbaijan’s largest source of imports, according to Lu Mei. The Belt and Road Initiative continues to provide an important framework for expanding cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, energy and transport connectivity. Renewable energy has emerged as one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. Lu Mei highlighted the successful completion of the largest wind farm in the South Caucasus, constructed by a Chinese company, as well as the connection of the 100-megawatt Gobustan solar power plant, also built by a Chinese company, to Azerbaijan’s unified electricity grid. Transport connectivity is another strategic dimension of the partnership. The Trans-Caspian route for China-Europe freight trains, passing through Azerbaijan, is providing the Middle Corridor with significant cargo flows and strengthening its role in international logistics. According to Lu Mei, the number of China-Europe container trains travelling through Azerbaijan along this route is expected to reach a new record in 2026. The growing freight volume further highlights Azerbaijan’s importance as a transit link between Asian and European markets.
Growing educational and cultural exchanges
Closer economic and diplomatic ties are accompanied by expanding people-to-people contacts. The mutual visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and China has created favorable conditions for tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges. Interest in Chinese language and culture is also increasing in Azerbaijan. According to the ambassador, the number of registered Chinese-language learners in the country has exceeded 10,000. Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 Azerbaijani students are expected to be studying in China this year. Lu Mei also emphasized the historical connections between the two countries, noting that the ancient Silk Road had long linked their peoples and facilitated cultural exchanges. Recent initiatives have further strengthened this dialogue. In September, the Chinese documentary ‘Guardian of Heritage’ was broadcast on leading Azerbaijani television channels, including national television. The ambassador also referred to her participation in the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue as an example of growing cultural engagement.
Artificial intelligence: A new frontier
Azerbaijan attaches considerable importance to digital transformation and has adopted its Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028 and Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2026-2029. Describing AI cooperation as an area with complementary advantages and broad prospects, the ambassador said China was ready to share its experience and support Azerbaijan’s participation in relevant initiatives announced at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that developing countries have greater opportunities to participate in shaping global AI governance, while respecting their digital sovereignty and national development priorities.
Cooperation on the international stage
Beyond bilateral projects, Azerbaijan and China are strengthening coordination within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and CICA. Lu Mei welcomed Azerbaijan’s CICA chairmanship for 2026-2028 and expressed China’s support for the country’s accession to the SCO. She also highlighted cooperation under China’s four global initiatives covering development, security, civilization and governance. Joint efforts in demining were identified as an important practical example of cooperation under the Global Security Initiative. The ambassador noted that both countries support each other’s efforts to protect national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, while advocating multilateralism and a stronger voice for developing countries in international affairs. Looking ahead, 2027 will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and China. Lu Mei described the milestone as an opportunity to strengthen the existing comprehensive strategic partnership, implement agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders and explore new areas of cooperation. With trade reaching record levels and collaboration expanding into renewable energy, transport, education and artificial intelligence, Azerbaijan and China are laying the groundwork for an even deeper partnership, with significant potential for economic development and regional connectivity.
