UAE's Foreign Minister and Chinese Counterpart Reaffirm Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up a high-profile visit to the UAE, where both countries reaffirmed their strategic partnership and tackled some of the most pressing geopolitical issues of our time. The visit builds on momentum from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's trip to Beijing in May 2024, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The timing matters. As global trade patterns shift and Middle East tensions remain high, the UAE and China are doubling down on their economic and diplomatic ties. Both countries used the meeting to stake out clear positions on sensitive territorial disputes that have global implications.

China backed the UAE's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while the UAE reaffirmed its support for the "One China" policy, calling Taiwan "an inseparable part of Chinese territory." The UAE also rejected any foreign interference in China's internal affairs. In return, China supported the UAE's efforts to resolve disputes over three islands - Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa - through bilateral negotiations under international law.

But the real substance lies in economic cooperation. Both sides agreed to align China's Belt and Road Initiative with the UAE's "We the UAE 2031" vision and its preparation plans for the next 50 years. This isn't just diplomatic talk - it means concrete infrastructure projects, energy deals, and technology partnerships.

The UAE praised China's recent Communist Party congress, viewing it as a boost for high-quality development that benefits global cooperation. China, meanwhile, invited the UAE to participate in four global initiatives covering development, security, civilization, and governance.

Trade negotiations are moving forward too. China confirmed its readiness to complete free trade agreement talks between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council as soon as possible. For businesses and investors, this could mean reduced tariffs and smoother trade flows between China and the Gulf region.

On regional security, both countries renewed their commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on 1967 borders and UN resolutions. They praised international efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement and stressed that all parties must stick to any deal to reduce human suffering.

The diplomatic calendar ahead looks busy. The UAE backed China's plan to host the second China-Arab Summit in 2026, alongside a parallel China-GCC summit. This signals that both countries see their partnership as part of broader regional strategy, not just bilateral ties.

Both sides also committed to stronger coordination in multilateral forums like the UN, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization. For global markets, this suggests continued cooperation between two major economies as they navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.