Causes Of The Sino-Kazakh Energy Partnership

China made a powerful spurt in its development: the country in terms of GDP has moved from sixth to second place in the world regarding its economic volume. But the rapid economic growth led to the dependence of China on energy resources. In order to keep its economic growth, China started seeking oil imports from Middle East and Africa. Therefore, China became the world's second largest consumer of oil, as well as world's second largest net importer of oil.In recent years, China is showing great interest in the Central Asian region. There are two main factors that explain its interest in the region. First, because of the energy attractiveness of the region, second, because the establishment of close economic ties with the region also positively affects its Xinjiang region.Sino-Kazakh relationship is strengthening, as both countries are gaining mutual advantages from their partnership. As for China, it secures its oil import, as for Kazakhstan, it gains Chinese loans that are necessary for its further economic development. For the last decade, China made significant expansion in the energy sector of Kazakhstan, now acquiring around 24 percent of oil production in Kazakhstan.But the growing expansion of Chinese presence in the region causes Russia's concern. Both countries have mutual interests in the region, and therefore the possibility of tension between Russia and China exists. For now, the PRC is avoiding confrontation with Russia, recognizing its political dominance in the region. However, with further increase of Chinese influence in Kazakhstan, it hardly seems that a tussle with Russia can be avoided.