Beijing eager to intensify influence in Gulf area via Kuwait, according to Chinese media reports
China and Kuwait have strengthened their strategic ties, as evidenced by the recent meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Kuwait's Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The gathering, held during the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, underlined Beijing's commitment to extending its presence in the Gulf region.
During the discussions, Premier Li Qiang emphasized China's readiness to boost cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Kuwait's Vision 2035 development plan. The two nations also aimed to expand bilateral collaborations in energy, investment, the green and digital economy, and artificial intelligence to advance mutual interests.
China's readiness to expand its presence in the Gulf region was further highlighted, with Li Qiang expressing a desire for cooperation with Kuwait that aligns with the "Belt and Road" project. The Chinese state media, CCTV, and Xinhua News Agency reported on this, underscoring China's commitment to enhancing political trust and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Kuwait.
In addition, the Chinese premier called for increased cooperation with Kuwait in the areas of education and tourism, aiming to facilitate more people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the bond between their citizens.
Since their establishment, Kuwait and China have maintained robust bilateral relations, with recent years seeing notable progress under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Areas of focus for future collaboration include energy, investment, the green economy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, China's decision to grant visa-free entry to GCC nationals, including Kuwaitis, signifies a significant step towards deepening people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation.
In summary, the meeting between Premier Li Qiang and Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah underscores a mutual commitment to strengthen ties and expand cooperation between China and Kuwait across various strategic sectors. The two nations are poised for continued advancement, leveraging their partnership to drive economic growth and enhance mutual understanding.
- The shared goal of enhancing cooperation between China and Kuwait extends to the realms of finance, where China's Premier Li Qiang expressed readiness to boost cooperation with Kuwait's Vision 2035 development plan.
- In the sphere of technology and business, both nations aim to broaden their collaborations in the green and digital economy, artificial intelligence, and education, with Premier Li Qiang explicitly calling for increased cooperation in these areas.
