China and Qatar Celebrate 76th Anniversary, Strengthen Strategic Partnership

rki.news
By Haroon Rashid Qureshi
Doha, September 28, 2025 – The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Qatar hosted a grand reception to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, bringing together senior officials, diplomats, Chinese expatriates, and friends of China for an evening of celebration, reflection, and renewed partnership.
The event began with Chinese students performing the national anthems of Qatar and China, setting a tone of respect and friendship between the two nations. Guests then heard from Chinese Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Cao Xiaolin, whose keynote address reviewed China’s historic achievements while outlining the bright future of China-Qatar relations.
In his speech, Ambassador Cao extended Mid-Autumn Festival greetings to Chinese compatriots and expressed gratitude to Qatari leaders for their support of China-Qatar friendship. He highlighted China’s journey since 1949 under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), stressing that the nation has achieved two global “miracles”: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. He noted that China’s GDP reached RMB 66 trillion in the first half of 2025 with a growth rate of 5.3%, earning praise from economists as “exceeding expectations.”
The Ambassador emphasized that China’s rise has global impact, contributing around 30% to world growth annually. According to the IMF, every 1% increase in China’s economy drives a 0.3% rise in global output. Beyond growth, China has also lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty and met the UN 2030 Agenda’s first goal a decade early. He stressed that China continues to promote rural revitalization while sharing its experience with other countries.
Ambassador Cao also outlined achievements in innovation and technology. From space exploration to high-speed rail, new energy vehicles, and artificial intelligence, China is increasingly recognized as a global leader. Its rise to 10th place in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index 2025 underscores this progress.
On global governance, the Ambassador explained China’s initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. He introduced President Xi Jinping’s newly announced Global Governance Initiative, which calls for sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism, people-centered approaches, and practical action. Together, these initiatives inject stability and certainty into a turbulent world.
Turning to China-Qatar relations, Ambassador Cao praised the “golden period” of bilateral ties, now at their highest point in history. He reaffirmed Qatar’s support for the one-China principle and thanked Doha for its opposition to separatist agendas. Since 2020, China has remained Qatar’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 24.22 billion in 2024, more than double the volume recorded a decade earlier.
He highlighted the growing strength of people-to-people exchanges. In 2024, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Qatar surged to 97,000, marking a 77% increase year-on-year. At the same time, more Qatari youth are learning Mandarin and exploring Chinese culture. The giant pandas “Suhail” and “Thuraya,” the first in the Middle East, have become beloved symbols of friendship.
Ambassador Cao also addressed regional challenges. He strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar earlier this month, reaffirming China’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty and security. He noted that China has voiced its opposition at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging all parties to return to dialogue.
Looking ahead, he said China and Qatar will continue to build on their political trust, shared development philosophies, and complementary interests. Guided by President Xi Jinping and H.H. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both nations will work together to safeguard fairness, promote peace, and advance mutually beneficial cooperation.
Following the Ambassador’s remarks, guests joined in a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony before enjoying a dinner reception, where Qatari and Chinese traditions blended in an atmosphere of warmth and goodwill. The evening reflected the enduring bond between China and Qatar and reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to a shared future of prosperity and peace.