UAE-China Relations: Four Decades of Trade, Culture, and Diplomatic Engagement

On Friday when Chinese President Xi Jinping and UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchanged congratulations messages. This exchange of congratulatory messages was done because of the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between UAE and China.

As reported by Chinadaily, Chinese President Xi said, “China and the UAE are good friends who trust each other and good partners for win-win cooperation. Over the past 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-UAE relations have maintained sound and steady development, with strengthened political mutual trust, deepening synergy of development strategies, fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, close people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and sound communication and coordination in regional and international affairs.”

According to the report, Xi also recalled the month of May when UAE President was on state visit to China. He also expressed China’s commitment to boost ties with UAE and make a greater contribution to regional and world peace and stability.

On the occasion of 40^th anniversary President of UAE also extended his congratulations to Xi, and expressed commitment of UAE for continuous development and prosperity.

According to the reports, UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum exchanged congratulatory messages with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Insights of 40 years relationship between UAE and China:

According to the official website of the Foreign Ministry of UAE, the relationship between UAE and China was established in November 1984. The Chinese Embassy in Abu Dhabi was opened in April 1985, followed by the establishment of the General Consulate in Dubai in November 1988. The UAE Embassy opened in Beijing on March 19, 1987. Additionally, three UAE general consulates were established in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, in April 2000, July 2009, and June 2016, respectively.

So, the relation between both the nations are not new. It has grown and evolved over the years.

At year of 1990 President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan initiated a historic visit to China on May 6, 1990. This was a very significant visit by UAE to China, after that  a number of agreements get signed between both of the nations.

Notable visits include President Xi Jinping’s trip to the UAE in 2018 and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to China in 2019, both of which have ushered in new opportunities for collaboration.

According to WAM, The UAE’s commitment to enhancing relations is further evidenced by the establishment of consulates in key cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, alongside China’s consulate in Dubai. Over the years, the UAE and China have signed more than 148 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding across various sectors, creating a comprehensive partnership that extends into numerous areas of mutual interest.

One of the most significant aspects of this relationship is the thriving economic partnership. In 2023, non-oil trade between the UAE and China reached an impressive AED 296 billion (approximately US$81 billion), marking a 4.2 percent increase from the previous year. China stands as the UAE’s top non-oil trade partner, accounting for 12 percent of the UAE’s overall trade and 18 percent of its imports.

The UAE’s investments in China have also grown, reaching $11.9 billion over the past two decades, while Chinese investments in the UAE total $7.7 billion. This exchange of investments highlights the strong economic ties that underpin the relationship.

A cornerstone of their partnership is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which the UAE actively participates in. Launched in 2013, the BRI aligns perfectly with the UAE’s strategic location and economic ambitions, enhancing its role in global trade and re-export activities.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in strengthening UAE-China relations, with over a million Chinese tourists visiting the UAE in just the first ten months of 2023. A robust network of flights connects the two countries, facilitating greater cultural exchange and understanding.

Cultural and educational exchanges also serve as vital components of this relationship. The UAE and China have established numerous agreements to promote cultural understanding, resulting in initiatives that include student exchanges and collaborative projects. The UAE-China relationship exemplifies strong bilateral ties based on mutual respect and trust.