Chinese Ambassador: We reject targeting Kuwait's infrastructure and civilian facilities
He emphasized on the anniversary of his country’s army that Beijing is making “unpublicized” diplomatic efforts
Our strategic partnership with Kuwait is longstanding and not linked to recent developments
Chinese military attaché: Opportunities exist for further military cooperation
Deputy Minister of Defense: Any deals or drills with China will be announced at the appropriate time
By Fares Ghalib
Yang Xin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait, affirmed that his country is doing its utmost to end hostilities in the region as soon as possible, stressing the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of all countries, including Kuwait, and rejecting attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Chinese Embassy’s celebration of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, the ambassador said that Beijing closely monitors the rapid security developments in the Gulf region and expresses deep concern over the escalation. He reaffirmed China’s firm stance calling for respect for the sovereignty and security of states and the non-targeting of civilian objects.
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He clarified that not all of China’s diplomatic efforts are publicized, as some take place away from the spotlight, expressing hope that these initiatives would contribute to restoring security and stability and bringing the parties back to the path of peace.
He stressed China’s firm rejection of attacks on infrastructure and civilian facilities, including water and electricity facilities and oil tankers, noting that such attacks constitute a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Regarding military cooperation between Kuwait and China, Yang Xin affirmed that the strategic partnership between the two countries has encompassed security and military aspects for years and is not linked to recent developments, pointing to ongoing consultations between the two sides in this field.
He added that tangible results of this cooperation would be showcased during the ongoing events, while the Chinese military attaché could provide further technical details regarding areas of military cooperation.
Responding to a question about the possibility of the escalation ending soon, he said, “We have to wait and see; there are many factors,” reaffirming that China, along with peace-loving countries, continues to work to bring all parties back to the negotiating table.
Ammunition industry
For his part, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Mushall, Deputy Minister of Defense, revealed that the visit of a Kuwaiti military delegation to the People’s Republic of China last week aimed at discussing the enhancement of military cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing that any announcements regarding deals or joint military drills would be made at the appropriate time.
Sheikh Abdullah stated that the Ministry of Defense looks forward to developing military and defense cooperation with China within the framework of the strategic partnership uniting the two countries, contributing to supporting security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
He clarified that cooperation with China covers several defense fields, including military industries, foremost among which is the production of light and medium ammunition currently present in Kuwait.
Responding to a question about leveraging Chinese expertise in air defense and unmanned aerial vehicles, the Deputy Minister of Defense affirmed that Kuwait is keen on building bridges of defense cooperation with various friendly countries, and that its defense policy is based on enhancing military partnerships according to national security requirements.
He added that Kuwaiti-Chinese relations are built on solid foundations of friendship and strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of defense and security, expressing the Ministry’s aspiration to continue developing joint cooperation in the coming phase to serve the interests of both countries and enhance security and stability in the region.
For his part, Military Attaché Liu Zhongchen affirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with Kuwait and fostering joint efforts between the two armies, in a manner that contributes to safeguarding the shared interests of both nations and supporting regional security and stability.
He noted that Sino-Kuwaiti relations are witnessing continuous development, particularly in the military field, thanks to the support provided by Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He added that the Gulf region stands at a critical juncture between war and peace, an environment that opens up new opportunities to enhance military and security cooperation between China and Kuwait.
