Is this what China immigrants look like in Kazakh eyes? It hurts a little.

This is not a question of good or bad. Kazakhstan is more likely to have a sense of national identity with them, and they just choose their own lives with their feet. As for Kazak immigrants, their hometown is indeed on the grassland in Xinjiang, China, but Kazaks are nomadic people and must be given a hometown.

It is fate that you are classmates. Cherish this friendship. If your relationship is good enough, friendship will not be reduced because he is your "compatriot".