CHINA-AZERBAIJAN EDUCATIONAL RELATIONS: DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPECTS

• Fidan Alasgarova

  Azerbaijan University of Languages

  Author

• Sheraz Mehmood

  Western Caspian University

  Author

This article examines the development of educational and cultural cooperation between China and Azerbaijan within the broader framework of their political and economic relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, bilateral cooperation has expanded steadily, with education emerging as a key area of partnership. The study highlights the role of institutional mechanisms such as Confucius Institutes in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani language and culture centers in China in promoting language learning, academic exchange, and intercultural understanding. It also discusses the growing attractiveness of Chinese higher education for Azerbaijani students, driven by factors such as affordability, academic quality, and the increasing global recognition of leading Chinese universities. In addition, the article explores China’s cultural policy and soft power strategy, emphasizing how the integration of cultural heritage into educational initiatives strengthens its international engagement. Furthermore, the study analyzes the impact of high-level political support on advancing educational cooperation, student mobility, and joint research, with special reference to Azerbaijani language programs at Beijing Foreign Studies University as an example of deepening people-to-people ties. Overall, the article demonstrates that educational and cultural cooperation serves as a vital foundation for enhancing mutual understanding and fostering sustainable diplomatic and economic relations between China and Azerbaijan.

• PDF