Chinese Ambassador: Rapid Development of Relations with Kuwait

China’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Yang Xin, affirmed that Sino-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing growing momentum and rapid development, noting that cooperation between the two countries has entered a “faster track” thanks to the strategic guidance of both nations’ leadership. He highlighted that the scope of partnership has expanded to include political, economic, cultural, scientific, technological, and security sectors.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the embassy to mark Kuwait’s National Day, the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait, Ambassador Yang was joined by Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Sabah Al-Makhzoum, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asian Affairs Nawaf Al-Hamad, Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mashal, along with a group of officials, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and prominent figures.

He noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, which established a strategic partnership in 2018. Ambassador Yang stated that China is “fully satisfied with the current state of bilateral relations” and looks forward to continuing to deepen comprehensive cooperation to deliver further benefits to the peoples of China and Kuwait.

Regarding Kuwait’s Vision 2035, he explained that both countries are working to align China’s high-quality Belt and Road Initiative with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, thereby opening broader horizons for cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and construction, as well as in port development, logistics zones, and supply chains. He emphasized that Kuwait’s strategic geographic location qualifies it to leverage its advantages in building a regional logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe, with the potential to extend its connectivity to Africa.

Ambassador Yang affirmed that China is ready to deepen cooperation with Kuwait in port and infrastructure development, and to enhance collaboration in logistics and supply chains, achieving mutual benefit and shared development.

On strategic projects, the ambassador clarified that some construction projects were affected by regional developments but remain ongoing. He pointed to the signing of a contract for a water treatment project, with implementation work to begin shortly, and expressed his expectation that additional contracts will be signed this year.

In the energy sector, Yang Xin stressed that China and Kuwait are “important energy partners to each other,” noting that China has long been a major importer of Kuwaiti crude oil, while Kuwait remains among the top ten oil suppliers to China. He said his country is prepared to continue deepening cooperation in oil and gas, contributing to the energy and economic security of both nations, while also looking to expand cooperation in the new energy sector. He added that cooperation documents signed in the presence of both countries’ leadership included projects in new energy, expressing China’s hope that renewable energy will become a “new highlight and new growth driver” in Sino-Kuwaiti cooperation in the near future.

Regarding technology and emerging sectors, he stated that China is ready to continue cooperating with Kuwait in traditional sectors while simultaneously creating new growth engines, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, smart cities, and cybersecurity, thereby broadening the partnership and opening new horizons for cooperation in advanced technology sectors.

On security and defense coordination between Kuwait and China, Ambassador Yang affirmed that such cooperation is an important part of bilateral relations, noting good cooperation between the two countries in this field. He revealed that Kuwait’s ammunition factory began operations earlier this year, while also highlighting ongoing exchanges between the armed forces of both countries, as well as student exchanges, confirming that military cooperation between the two nations is witnessing increasing expansion.

On Sino-Gulf relations, the ambassador affirmed that “all Arab Gulf states are close friends of China,” stressing that Sino-Gulf relations far exceed the scope of energy cooperation, encompassing political trust, shared economic development, and the leveraging of the rich cultural heritage of both sides. He said that in a rapidly changing world, both sides agree on the necessity of adhering to international law, international humanitarian law, the UN Charter, and the fundamental rules of international relations. He affirmed that China supports the peoples of the Middle East, including Gulf states, in taking charge of their own destiny and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

Regarding regional developments and escalation in the region, Ambassador Yang stated that since the outbreak of fighting, China has worked to push for a ceasefire and de-escalation, as well as to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken a number of initiatives and policies aimed at promoting a ceasefire, affirming China’s continued efforts to reduce escalation and find solutions to the crisis. He clarified that China’s full position on regional developments will be detailed in an official statement that has been distributed, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation and the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz represents a crucial international commercial corridor for goods and energy, and that maintaining the security and stability of the region, ensuring freedom of navigation, and guaranteeing its smooth flow serve the common interest of the international community. He expressed hope that all parties would work together to resume normal navigation in the strait as soon as possible.