Three-country trip adds impetus to practical China-Arab cooperation

Against the backdrop of the complex and evolving international landscape, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visits to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan that began on Friday last week and will conclude on Tuesday carry pragmatic significance. These visits not only consolidate China's traditional friendship with the three countries, they will also inject new impetus into their strategic bonds and China-Arab cooperation in general.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and the UAE have, for over four decades, withstood the tests of changing global dynamics, maintaining steady bilateral relations. China-Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations, which mark their 35th anniversary this year, have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership with growing importance and influence. Jordan has long been a partner of China, with cooperation spanning multiple fields, benefiting both peoples.

China has always approached its relations with these three countries from a strategic height and long-term perspective, adhering to the principle of equality among all countries regardless of size — a commitment that has laid a foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Under the strategic guidance of the head-of-state diplomacy, exchanges and cooperation between China and the three countries, as well as the Arab countries at large, have yielded fruitful results across various sectors. Trade between China and Arab League members reached 1.72 trillion yuan ($243.95 billion) in the first seven months of 2025.

China and the regional countries have not only strengthened their collaboration in traditional oil and gas and renewable energy, aligning with global green transition goals, but also deepened cooperation in investment, science and technology, military, counterterrorism and people-to-people exchanges. These achievements have brought tangible benefits to the peoples of relevant countries, and contributed to stability and development in the Middle East and beyond.

To implement the important common understandings reached by the heads of state, Wang held in-depth talks with the foreign ministers and other senior officials of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan during his visits. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, the Middle East situation and major issues of mutual interest. It is good to see that Wang's hosts agreed to further consolidate political mutual trust and align development strategies to expand cooperation in key areas with China.

The second China-Arab States Summit and the second China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit scheduled to be held in China next year were a key focus of Wang's visits. The Chinese foreign minister conducted in-depth communication and coordination with officials from the three countries on related preparations, including agenda-setting, to ensure the two summits yield positive outcomes.

Additionally, discussions on advancing the early conclusion of negotiations on the China-GCC free trade agreement were highlighted, with both sides recognizing that concluding the agreement — after over 20 years of talks — will send a strong signal in defense of multilateralism and free trade amid rising protectionism.

Wang's visits to the three Middle Eastern countries not only strengthen the partnership between China and the three nations but are also conducive to promoting China-Arab cooperation and stability in the Middle East.

In the future, China will continue to work with its partners in the Middle East to uphold multilateralism, safeguard common interests and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

- Li Yang, China Daily