As the belt and road pivots towards clean energy, Kazakhstan and its neighbours are emerging as top partners for Beijing-backed projects
6-MIN READ6-MIN ListenVictoria BelaPublished: 6:00am, 29 May 2026Central Asia is tilting more decisively towards China as geopolitical uncertainty deepens, with Beijing’s expanding influence recasting the former Soviet states’ strategic orientation. In the second of a three-part series, Victoria Bela looks at how Kazakhstan is adopting China’s green tech and expertise to fight desertification, restore ecosystems and decarbonise industries. Read the first part here.Across the sweeping plains of Kazakhstan’s Karaganda region, construction began last month on a massive AI-powered wind farm born from a joint Kazakh-Chinese venture.
Beyond direct investment under the framework, the relationship between Astana and Beijing is also deepening through hi-tech environmental cooperation, scientific and technological exchanges and a deepening portfolio of joint ventures.
