China Supports SCO's Expansion of Ties with Azerbaijan - Xi Jinping

A meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Chairman of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Xi Jinping, took place in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

According to the website of the Azerbaijani head of state,

Xi Jinping referred to Aliyev as a "dear friend" and thanked him for his participation in the "SCO plus" format Summit in Tianjin, as well as in the festive events and military parade on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of "China's victory over foreign military intervention and fascism."

The Chinese leader emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is developing "at the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership."

He highlighted the growth in trade turnover between the two countries and the expansion of cooperation in the energy sector, including renewable energy, and digitalization.

Noting that Azerbaijani-Chinese cooperation is also strengthening within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" project, Xi Jinping pointed out the importance of transporting Chinese goods through the territory of Azerbaijan and, in this context, touched upon the significance of the Trans-Caspian route.

The Chairman of the PRC stated that his country supports the expansion of Azerbaijan's ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Xi Jinping noted the importance of direct dialogue in ensuring lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The Chairman of the PRC also stated that Beijing supports the "model of sovereign development of Azerbaijan," emphasizing Beijing's commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Aliyev, in turn, stressed that the development of relations with the PRC is one of the priority areas of Azerbaijan's foreign policy.

He particularly noted that Baku supports China's position on issues concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to condemn the elections held in Taiwan.

Referring to the "One Belt, One Road" project, the head of state regarded the growth in transportation, particularly of Chinese goods, along the Middle Corridor, which passes through the territory of Azerbaijan, as an "example of the efficiency and attractiveness of this corridor."

President Aliyev also stressed that negotiations on the normalization of relations and the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia are being conducted on a bilateral basis and that peace has already been established between the two countries.

At the meeting, it was "with satisfaction" noted that Azerbaijan and China always support each other within the framework of international organizations. It was emphasized that recently, after the entry into force of the visa-free regime document, ties in the tourism sector have been developing.

During the conversation, there was a broad exchange of views on the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and China.

In April 2025, Aliyev had already paid a state visit to China. During the visit, a "Joint Statement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership," a visa-free regime agreement between the two countries, and other documents were signed.