Diplomatic Balance: UAE Strengthens Ties with Both China and the US in 2024

Recently in Sep 2024, UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with US President Joe Biden, in a joint statement by The White House and UAE Embassy in Washington both nations showcased the strengthening ties. From there analysts were trying to analyse what the impact will be on UAE-China relations? These nations are located far away just in terms of geo locations, but they are supporting each other’s.  China and UAE recognised 40 years of diplomatic ties by elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive strategic agreement and signing around 150 agreements in various sectors.

Deputy director of the Hong Kong Research Center for Asian Studies  Ghulam Ali answered all the upraising questions about UAE-China ties. According to him China and the UAE is reaching new heights as both nations deepen their cooperation despite increasing Western scrutiny.

China and the UAE have expanded their cooperation in different sectors likes trade, defense, education, and infrastructure. The growth in relations of both the nations are continuing from the establishment of diplomatic ties on 1 November 1984.

The year 1989 and 1990 were the two years when both the nations marked the closeness and start their partnership, both nations marked their first official state visit in these years. The relationship was elevated in 2018 when both nations agreed to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the UAE.

Though UAE shows its support to India, APAC nations but they fully supports the “One China” policy of China. It means UAE is opposing independence of Taiwan and China has shown support for the UAE in its territorial dispute with Iran over three islands in the Persian Gulf. This was a moment when their mutual understanding was boosted and presented an example on global map.

This relationship not only ends here, but both the nations have defense collaboration. Gulf nation UAE and Asian nation China conduct joint military exercises. For example “Falcon Shield” drills it is one of the regular military exercises between both nations. UAE always shows its interest in Chinese defense technology. In 2024, the UAE expanded its defense cooperation by purchasing military aircraft from China and has expressed interest in acquiring the J-20 stealth fighter, signaling a growing strategic bond.

The closeness of nations also reflects in tourism sector. Over a million Chinese tourists have visited the UAE. Chinese language programs have also seen rapid growth in the region, according to a data by Nationals with tens of thousands of UAE students now studying Mandarin. In terms of trade, bilateral exchanges reached approximately $95 billion in 2023, with both nations targeting $200 billion by 2030. China’s investment in UAE infrastructure and digital technologies continues to align seamlessly with the UAE’s plans for economic diversification.

The UAE benefits from its partnership with China in areas like renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure. Together, both nations are building a strong relationship that is set to grow as global dynamics continue to change.

On the other side US is trying to reduce and stop Chinese influence. They are trying to build relationship with UAE to boost defense and AI cooperation. But UAE is playing diplomatic here and showing balanced approach towards US and China. UAE is working and sharing good relationship with US, but they are also enhancing their 40 years old relationship with China. This is a good sign for geopolitics and multipolar word.