[ETCM]

Kazakhstan has close ties with China.

Just last month, Xi essentially declared Kazakhstan to be under China's protection.

"No matter how the international situation changes, we will continue to resolutely support Kazakhstan in protecting its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mr Xi said during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to a Kazakh government statement.

Geographically, Kazakhstan essentially divides the rest of Central Asia from Russia.

[ought-six]

“Geographically, Kazakhstan essentially divides the rest of Central Asia from Russia.”

Yes, it does. And it sees China as the future, and Russia as the past.