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In the midst of the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan embarked on the path of independence. In the face of this historic change, the Chinese government moved quickly to resolve the border issue with the new state of Kazakhstan. The two sides engaged in long and arduous negotiations, demonstrating great political wisdom and diplomatic skills. Through unremitting efforts and compromises between the two sides, a consensus was finally reached and the bilateral boundary line was established.
In the success of this diplomatic negotiation, China has not only strengthened its national security, but also achieved an important territorial gain – the restoration of 1,100 square kilometers of land equivalent to the size of Hong Kong. This land is not only of great significance in terms of geographical location, but also a witness to the friendship between China and Kazakhstan, and every inch of land shines with precious light, symbolizing the precious achievements of peace and development. The land here presents a spectacular scene of grassland and mountains intertwined, passing through the long river of history and witnessing the changes of geography.
The Northwest Territories that have been lost and regained
Kazakhstan, the treasure of Central Asia, stretches between Asia and Europe, it is bounded by the Ural River, and has most of the land lying in the arms of Asia, while a piece of land on the west side is also leisurely in Europe. This vast territory, covering an area of up to 2,724,900 square kilometers, has given it the majestic title of the world's largest landlocked country.
Kazakhstan
History has left us a page engraved with the pain of territorial change. The land we once lost, the vast hinterland of Kazakhstan in the east, tells the helplessness and sorrow of the passing years of the Qing Dynasty. In the twilight years of the empire, the state was declining, and the Tsarist Russian Empire was eyeing up and wantonly expanding with its power, forcing the mainland to sign the humiliation of the border in 1864 - the "Sino-Russian Treaty on the Survey and Demarcation of the Northwest Boundary". As a result, we have lost more than 440,000 square kilometres of land around Lake Balkhash.
Soon after, Tsarist Russia again attacked Ili in Xinjiang, although it was roughly recovered by Zuo Zongtang's eloquence, but in order to recapture Ili, the Qing court had to confront Tsarist Russia again at the negotiating table. At that time, Wanyan Chonghou unfortunately fell into the diplomatic trap of Tsarist Russia, and signed the Treaty of Livakia with it, and the mainland once again lost about 70,000 square kilometers of valuable land. Although some of the lost territory was subsequently regained through careful negotiations, the signing of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Ili in 1881 confirmed the hope of return. However, the 70,000 square kilometers of land remained in Tsarist Russia until the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the legacy was inherited by Kazakhstan. This period of history has witnessed the rise and fall of an era and the ups and downs of territory, and is also part of the vicissitudes of the history of the mainland.
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In 1992, China began an important chapter in the history of border negotiations with Kazakhstan. Through friendly dialogue and practical cooperation, the two sides signed the Supplementary Agreement on the China-Kazakhstan State Border in 1997 and 1998, respectively, and finally formally established the new border between the two countries in 2008. In the process, Kazakhstan returned part of its territory to China.
Kazakhstan
1. Alashankou
On a map of the vast Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in western China, there is a place name that inadvertently catches my eye – Alashankou. It is located on the border between China and Kazakhstan and is an important land port from China to Central Asia and even Europe. Geologically, it is a natural passage in the western part of the Tianshan Mountains, with an altitude of nearly 500 meters, and due to its important geographical location, it has historically become a busy post on the Silk Road, witnessing the passage of countless caravans and tourists.
Driving west along the winding road, you can feel the climatic characteristics of Alashankou. It has a typical temperate continental arid climate, with scorching hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Especially in winter, the wind blows with a biting cold, making people feel the boundless desolation and vastness of nature.
In Alashankou, the horizon always seems to be so wide. Under the endless blue sky, the white clouds are like cotton, and from time to time there are eagle eagles passing by, and they vibrate and shuttle between the blue sky and the white clouds, forming a vivid map of the grassland sky. When you set foot on this land, you can still hear the echo of camel bells on the ancient Silk Road. As the vehicle crossed the boundless Gobi and slowly approached the Alashankou port, the sturdy gate stood in front of you, symbolizing the boundary between the two countries and the weight of history. The port complex jointly built by China and Kazakhstan is tall and magnificent, with modern facilities and equipment, reflecting the solid foundation of China-Kazakhstan friendship and cooperation.
2. Charsili
Xiaerxili, a beautiful place on the north side of the city of Bole in Xinjiang, depicts the breathtaking mid-high mountain belt in the west, with the mountains of the Boulder River region. To the east, you'll be drawn to the rolling hills and endless deserts of the Jampas district. Winding between these two natural wonders is a vibrant border corridor that seems to have been painted by nature.
This fascinating land, with a length of 66 kilometers and a width of 25 kilometers, covers a total area of 314 square kilometers. Here, you can climb from a plateau of 1,200 meters to the top of a mountain of 3,700 meters, and experience the changing climate and different levels of ecological beauty. Walking into Xiarsili, the first thing that catches your eye is the endless verdant greenery. Whether it is the layers of mountains in the distance or the sea of grass surging nearby, every green leaf is full of life. In the early morning, the mist is shrouded, and the sun shines through the clouds and sprinkles on this green sea, like a fairyland. At this time, every inch of the land in Charlesiri seems to breathe, and the air is filled with the smell of moist soil and the fresh fragrance of grass and trees.
Moving on, the streams and waterfalls of Charsiri are not content to be silenced. The water of the stream is crystal clear, and the pebbles weave a flowing pattern in the water. In summer, the flowers along the stream bloom in full bloom. The waterfalls are the soul of the Charlesiri, and they cascade down from the heights, making a roaring sound like the sound of heaven, which is shocking. The water droplets splashed, forming rainbows that decorated Charcili with an extraordinarily enchanting appearance.
3. Chahan Obo
Located in the northern part of Xinjiang, across the border of Elin County and Buxel County in Tacheng, the vast land is called Chahan Obo. It is not only rich in natural resources, but also a witness to history. In 1930, the land was seized by Tsarist Russia, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was annexed to the newly formed Kazakhstan. Due to the vast territory of Chahan Obo, it is of great strategic significance to both China and Kazakhstan.
After 16 years of arduous negotiations and diplomatic efforts, China and Kazakhstan have finally reached a crucial agreement on territorial division based on the principle of friendly consultations. The conclusion of this agreement not only reflects the overall situation and the spirit of mutual compromise between the two sides, but also paves the way for bilateral relations. According to the agreement, the Chinese side recovered 30% of the land of Chahan Obo, and the remaining 70% was officially incorporated into the territory of Kazakhstan. Although this division is not identical, it has opened a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries and jointly maintained peace and prosperity in the region.
4. Mount Baruch Mountain
The Baruch Mountains stretch across Yumin County in the Tacheng region of Xinjiang, and although the main peak of Kontakamp is only 3,252 meters above sea level, its steep terrain forms a natural barrier and provides an advantage for defenders. Although the altitude is not extremely high, its relative altitude shows a terrain that should not be underestimated. The Tast and Burgan rivers, which flow at the foot, are important water veins in the western region, giving this land a strategic value beyond the norm. Since ancient times, it has undoubtedly been regarded as an important part of the country, and there is no need to argue.
However, with the turmoil of modern times, especially the gradual encroachment of Tsarist Russia and the establishment of the Soviet Union, this led to a territorial dispute at the western foot of the Baruch Mountains, and the territory almost became a predatory territory for foreign forces. The disputed area includes Tasti, Chulcut and Tirekti, with a total area of a staggering 305 square kilometres, the size of 10 Macaus. At the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was already a point of concentration of border contradictions, and even brutal conflicts broke out. In 1969, the Soviet Union's provocations led to the tragic Battle of the Balluch Border, an unforgettable encounter that almost turned into a wider war. This history bears witness to the resilience and tragedy of the frontier, and at the same time reminds us of the value of peace.
In addition to the above-mentioned key areas, there are the magnificent rivers Khorgos and Akhaba, as well as the beautiful Kiziuyunk district, as well as the Berkwu, Ulkun-Ulastu regions, which have a total land area of 1,100 square kilometers. Every inch of land carries a unique value and significance, and is a natural treasure that we all cherish and protect.