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Web Desk
Chinese Premier Li Qiang to visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to an official announcement on Monday. This visit marks an important moment in China’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Gulf region.
At the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Li will travel to Riyadh. During his stay, he and the Crown Prince will jointly preside over the fourth meeting of the high-level Chinese-Saudi joint committee. The trip will also include a visit to the UAE, where Li will meet with Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The visit starts on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia and concludes in the UAE by Friday.
During his stay, he and the Crown Prince will jointly preside over the fourth meeting of the high-level Chinese-Saudi joint committee.
Historical Ties
China’s relationship with the Arab world spans many centuries, initially based on trade, particularly in spices and textiles. These informal trade links evolved into official diplomatic ties in the mid-20th century, with the People’s Republic of China establishing relations shortly after its founding in 1949. China aligned itself with the non-aligned movement and supported various national liberation movements across the Arab world. Notably, Beijing backed Arab nations during key moments like the Suez Crisis of 1956 and also recognized the Palestinian cause, which helped build goodwill among Arab states.
Beijing backed Arab nations during key moments like the Suez Crisis of 1956 and also recognized the Palestinian cause, which helped build goodwill among Arab states.
Economic Relations
Over the past 20 years, China’s economic engagement in the Gulf has expanded significantly. By 2023, China emerged as the leading trading partner for many Gulf nations. Trade between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) surpassed $300 billion, reflecting a 48% increase compared to 2019. Energy trade plays a critical role in this relationship, as China imports a large portion of its oil from the region, making Saudi Arabia and the UAE vital partners. Around 25% of the Gulf’s hydrocarbon exports go to China, cementing its position as a key player in the region’s energy sector.
Diplomatic Strategy
China’s approach to diplomacy in the Gulf differs from other global powers. Unlike the United States, which has long guaranteed security in the region, China has avoided military commitments and instead focused on economic cooperation, investment, and infrastructure development. This strategy aligns with China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to enhance global trade routes. Chinese investments in ports and industrial zones in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflect this commitment.
Its mediation in the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement highlights its growing influence as a neutral actor capable of facilitating dialogue in a region historically dominated by Western powers.
Recently, China has taken on a more proactive diplomatic role. Its mediation in the 2023 Saudi-Iran rapprochement highlights its growing influence as a neutral actor capable of facilitating dialogue in a region historically dominated by Western powers. By staying impartial, China has managed to engage with both Saudi Arabia and Iran without taking sides, further strengthening its diplomatic credentials.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, China’s role in the Arabian Gulf appears poised for further growth. Economic interdependence between China and the Gulf states continues to deepen, and the shifting geopolitical environment offers new opportunities for Beijing. As the influence of the United States in the region wanes, China is likely to become even more important as a diplomatic and economic partner. However, Beijing must navigate the complexities of regional tensions, including ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, which could impact its interests in the Gulf.
