In a world shaped by shifting power dynamics, energy transitions, and new logistics routes, Azerbaijan-China relations are emerging as a strategically significant axis in Eurasia. At the recent SCO Plus meeting held in Tianjin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s deepening partnership with China, particularly in energy, trade, digitalization, and infrastructure - areas that are rapidly redefining global influence.

“Azerbaijan and China enjoy warm and friendly relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership,” President Aliyev said during his address. “Deepening these relations is one of the important directions of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.”

This partnership, now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as of 2024, is no longer limited to diplomatic niceties. It is increasingly built on mutual investment, energy innovation, and infrastructural development, aligning with China's global Belt and Road vision and Azerbaijan’s national strategic goals.

Energy sector: From fossil fuels to green innovation

The backbone of Azerbaijan’s economy has long been its hydrocarbon sector, led by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). In recent years, however, Baku has been aggressively pursuing green energy diversification - a policy shift welcomed by Chinese giants like China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China).

During his visit to Tianjin, President Aliyev met with Ni Zhen, Chairman of Energy China, a Fortune Global 500 company and one of the world’s largest energy engineering groups. The company operates across more than 80 countries and has played a central role in implementing China’s renewable energy transition.

Their cooperation with SOCAR centers around solar and offshore wind energy development in Azerbaijan.........

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