This article examines the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan in the oil sector within the framework of the «Belt and Road» Initiative. The study reveals the evolution of bilateral energy cooperation, major oil infrastructure projects, investment structures, and trade dynamics since the initiative's launch in 2013. Using data from statistical reports and company documents, key performance indicators of Chinese-Kazakh oil infrastructure projects over the past decade are highlighted. The findings demonstrate that Chinese-Kazakh oil cooperation has significantly intensified under the «Belt and Road» Initiative, with cumulative investments in the oil sector showing an upward trend. Since its commissioning, over 150 million tons of crude oil have been transported via the Kazakhstan-China pipeline, making Kazakhstan one of the top ten oil suppliers to China. The article identifies both opportunities and challenges in this partnership, including geopolitical considerations, price volatility, environmental issues, and the need for technological modernization. The study concludes that this cooperation serves mutual economic interests and contributes to regional energy security, although its success depends on balanced approaches aimed at ensuring sustainability and diversification.

AIMATIJIANG А.

Master's student, 7М04101 – Economics, K.Zhubanov Aktobe regional university, Aktobe, Kazakhstan.

E-mail: nana20036110@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1503-6292

BALGINOVA K.M.

Candidate of economics sciences, associate professor, K.Zhubanov Aktobe regional university, Aktobe, Kazakhstan,

E-mail: kbalginova@zhubanov.edu.kz, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3114-1135

AZHAIPOVA I.Sh.

Master's, senior lecturer, K.Zhubanov Aktobe regional university, Aktobe, Kazakhstan,

E-mail: iazhaipova@zhubanov.edu.kz, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5601-7651

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«Belt and Road» Initiative, Chinese-Kazakh relations, oil cooperation, energy security, pipeline infrastructure, foreign direct investment, energy diplomacy, Central Asia