By Dr. Abdel Aziz Tarekji
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday received His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the Great Hall of the People, underscoring the deepening ties between China and the United Arab Emirates amid efforts to expand economic cooperation and promote regional stability.
The meeting, part of Sheikh Khaled’s official visit to China from April 12 to 14, focused on enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Discussions centered on key sectors including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development, with both leaders expressing commitment to mutual growth and long-term collaboration.
President Xi Jinping welcomed the Crown Prince and conveyed warm greetings to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He highlighted the robust and resilient nature of bilateral relations, calling for a stronger, more dynamic partnership that delivers tangible benefits to both peoples.
Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to advancing cooperation with China, emphasizing shared priorities in economic diversification and innovation. The visit follows the signing of 24 bilateral agreements earlier in the week, aimed at boosting non oil trade which surpassed $100 billion for the first time in 2025 and expanding investment flows in areas such as renewable energy, advanced technology, logistics, and high-tech industries.
Beyond economic matters, the leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments. President Xi put forward a four-point proposal to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, stressing respect for national sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, the central role of the United Nations, and a development-oriented approach to security challenges.
Xi emphasized that the international community must uphold consistent principles rather than selectively applying rules, warning against any return to “the law of the jungle.” Both sides agreed on the importance of peaceful resolutions to conflicts and joint efforts to foster tranquility in the Gulf region and beyond.
The Crown Prince also held separate talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and met with Chinese business leaders, further exploring commercial opportunities. He additionally engaged with UAE students studying in Beijing, highlighting the growing people to people ties between the nations.
China and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1984, elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018. The relationship has since flourished under the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with the UAE serving as a vital hub for trade and connectivity linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Analysts view the current visit Sheikh Khaled’s first official trip to China as Crown Prince as a clear signal of the Gulf’s continued pivot toward pragmatic economic engagement with Beijing, even amid complex regional geopolitics.
The strengthened partnership is expected to drive sustainable growth, support diversification efforts in both economies, and contribute to broader stability in the Middle East.
As global challenges persist, the China-UAE relationship stands as a model of constructive South-South cooperation, grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a commitment to peaceful development.
