China-Kuwait at 55: Deeper ties, stronger call for peace

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 29: China and Kuwait are marking 55 years of diplomatic ties with a fresh push to deepen their strategic partnership, against a backdrop of close high-level exchanges and heightened regional tensions. In remarks to local media, Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yang Xin assessed the steady growth of bilateral relations under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and HH Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, highlighted the significance of Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s recent official visit to Beijing, and outlined China’s position on the Middle East conflict and its role in promoting peace and stability in the Gulf.

The following Q&A captures the Ambassador’s responses on the state of China–Kuwait relations and China’s approach to de-escalation and dialogue in the region. Question: China and Kuwait had close high-level exchanges in recent years. How do you assess the current state of China-Kuwait relations? Ambassador Yang Xin: Highlevel exchanges between China and Kuwait have led to a steady and sustained growth of China-Kuwait relations. In December 2022 and September 2023, HE President Xi Jinping met with HH Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait in Riyadh and in Hangzhou, respectively.

During the two meetings, they reached important common understandings, providing strategic guidance for taking bilateral relations to higher heights. In November 2025, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, during his visit to Kuwait, had an in-depth exchange of views with the Kuwaiti side on efforts to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state and to further advance China- Kuwait relations. At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah paid an official visit to China from August 23 to 24.

This is an important visit as this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait. Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had talks with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah respectively. Chinese side spoke highly of its relations with Kuwait, noting that Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and that over the past 50-plus years, the two nations have always joined hands in solidarity. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of HE President Xi Jinping and HH Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, China and Kuwait have managed to deepen political mutual trust, further solidify the foundation of mutually-beneficial cooperation and create an even brighter prospect for bilateral friendship, setting a fine example of state-to-state relations that feature mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Chinese side stressed that it always attaches great importance to its relations with Kuwait and stands ready to work with Kuwait to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state and build a China- Kuwait strategic partnership with a more solid foundation, higher-quality outcomes and greater substance. China will continue to support the people of Kuwait in finding a successful development path suited to national conditions under the leadership of HH Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

China also expressed confidence that Kuwait will continue to support China’s just position on issues concerning its core interests. China will work with Kuwait to expand bilateral cooperation across various fields and deliver tangible benefits to the two peoples, and look forward to further facilitating the flow of personnel between the two nations and to cement the public support for China-Kuwait friendship. And China is willing to maintain close coordination with Kuwait in the multilateral arena to jointly defend multilateralism and the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South. Question: What’s China’s position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East? And how will China play its role in promoting peace and stability in the region?

Ambassador Yang Xin: Since the abrupt escalation of tensions in the Middle East on February 28 this year, China has worked actively to help bring about an end to the conflict and de-escalate the situation. President Xi Jinping made four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, saying that China supports regional countries in building a common home of good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi held in-depth communication and coordination with senior officials including foreign ministers of relevant countries through dozens of phone calls and meetings. China and Pakistan jointly put forward five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in Gulf and Middle East. As a sincere friend of Middle East countries,

China has always placed the promotion of reconciliation and peace in the region as the cornerstone of its Middle East policy. Chinese side always believes that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Kuwait and other Gulf states should be fully respected, civilians and nonmilitary assets should be protected, and the safety and security of shipping lanes and energy infrastructure should also be safeguarded. During Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah’s visit to China, the two foreign ministers had in-depth exchanges of views on the latest developments of the regional situation.

Chinese side empathized that the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region has once again reached a critical juncture, pointing out that the old script of recurring conflict must not be replayed, and a new chapter of stability and prosperity should be opened as soon as possible. China has always maintained that, no matter how serious the differences, a way forward should be found at the negotiating table rather than through the force of arms. Since steps have already been taken toward a ceasefire and an end to hostilities, there should be no turning back.

China calls on the parties concerned to respond positively to the international community’s desire for peace, prioritize the well-being of people across the region and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible. The top priority is to de-escalate the situation. China is willing to strengthen coordination with Kuwait and continue contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in the region.