China Bets on Azerbaijan to Gain Entry into Europe

American media outlets have reported that China is betting on Azerbaijan to gain entry into Europe. China is actively building a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, considering it a key element in strengthening its positions in the South Caucasus. Baku is perceived as a vital transit hub between China, Central Asia, and Europe, effectively providing Beijing with a land route to Europe while bypassing Russian territory.

Thus, Azerbaijan becomes the central link in the implementation of China's Eurasian economic strategy, writes the American publication Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst. For Azerbaijan, cooperation with China opens up opportunities to accelerate the development of non-oil sectors of the economy through an influx of investments.

So far, cooperation between the two countries has focused on transportation and logistics sectors, but it is gradually expanding beyond these areas. An example of this rapprochement in the military-technical field is Azerbaijan's acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets developed in China and Pakistan. In the future, Beijing may expand its support for Azerbaijan's military capabilities, reinforcing its own influence in the region.