Sino-GCC relations .. from energy security to strategic partnership

Sino-GCC relations .. from energy security to strategic partnership

1. The GCC sees China as a strong long-term economic partner
2. The relationship goes beyond China's energy security. The two parties want to form a long-term strategic partnership within the One Belt, One Road initiative
3. China and the GCC share common benefits especially the export of energy from the GCC to China
4. China is an important trading partner to the GCC and supplies it with goods, electrical appliances, equipment and machines
The economic researcher at the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) Ahmad Shams al-Deen Laila told Levantnews
5. To strengthen relations, a GCC delegation visited China on January 10 for 5 days
6. The visit was an invitation from Foreign Minister Wang Yi
7. The two parties held a session of talks and discussed their friendship, regional situations and areas of cooperation
8. "The time of the visit is important at this time as the world is witnessing a rise in energy prices and turmoil in Kazakhstan which supplies energy to China.”
(Economic researcher Ahmed Shams El-Din Laila)
9. "The GCC can guarantee stable energy supplies to China," Laila adds
10. Crude oil and gas from the GCC to China increased by 25.9% i.e. 57.5 million metric tons in 2021


The New Silk Road and Vision 2030

11. There are common points between the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030
12. The KSA wants to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil, and increase added values in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
13. China is among the most important partner for this economic project
(Economic researcher Ahmed Shams El-Din Laila for "Levant News")
14. "The trade relations between them increased which approached $70 billion with Saudi Arabia alone in 2020," He adds.
15. This partnership is liable for further advance as China progresses in the Belt and Road Initiative and involves GCC seaports and infrastructure in the initiative


Iran's nuclear programme on the talk agenda

16. In the last meetings, China and the GCC discussed the Iranian nuclear programme
17. Analysts say the Gulf states want to ensure that Beijing does not strengthen its relationship with Tehran
18. in light of a possible $400 billion deal between the two countries. The deal offer China the Iranian oil at reduced prices in exchange for economic, technological and possibly military support from China to the besieged Iran
19. In your opinion, how strong the Sino-GCC partnership will be in light of Beijing's growing relationship with Iran?