rki.news

Doha, 30 June 2026: The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the State of Qatar hosted a high-level reception on Monday evening to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, bringing together senior Qatari officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Chinese community in a vibrant diplomatic gathering.
The event was hosted by H.E. Cao Xiaolin, who warmly welcomed distinguished guests, including H.E. Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, Minister of State, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Cao described the founding of the CPC in 1921 as a historic turning point that transformed modern China. He said the Party’s leadership had guided China through national independence in 1949, reform and opening-up in 1978, and continuous modernization since 2012, resulting in profound national transformation.
He noted that China’s economic strength has grown steadily, with GDP rising from RMB 110 trillion to RMB 140 trillion and an average annual growth rate of 5.4 percent. China, he said, contributed 35.5 percent of global economic growth in 2025, remaining a key engine of global economic stability amid worldwide uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.
The Ambassador highlighted China’s rapid progress in science and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, and smart manufacturing. He said Chinese innovation is now globally recognized, while initiatives to establish a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization reflect China’s commitment to global digital governance and shared technological progress.
On social development, he stressed that China has eradicated absolute poverty, lifting nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty in eight years. He added that China has built the world’s largest education, healthcare, and social security systems, improving living standards and strengthening national well-being under a people-centered development approach.
Addressing foreign policy, Ambassador Cao said China continues to promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation through initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative. He reaffirmed China’s role as a supporter of peaceful solutions to global conflicts and a contributor to international stability.
He added that growing global engagement with China reflects increasing confidence in its diplomatic role, describing Chinese diplomacy as a source of stability and certainty in a volatile world.
Reflecting on China’s political history, the Ambassador said the experience of more than a century of CPC leadership demonstrates that strong party governance has been essential to national development and modernization. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to reform, opening-up, and socialist modernization under CPC leadership.
A major focus of the speech was China–Qatar relations, which he described as a model of strategic partnership. He noted that China has remained Qatar’s largest trading partner for six consecutive years, with bilateral trade increasing from US$10.6 billion in 2014 to US$23.8 billion in 2025, marking a rise of nearly 125 percent.
He highlighted key cooperation projects, including the Lusail Stadium built by CRCC, which hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final and now appears on Qatar’s 10-riyal banknote. He also referenced the Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant developed by Power China, which supplies clean energy to around 300,000 households and supports Qatar’s green transition.
He further mentioned Qatar’s strategic water reservoir project involving Gezhouba Group, which enhances national water security. Chinese banks such as ICBC and Bank of China have also strengthened their presence in Qatar’s financial sector, with RMB clearing volumes exceeding one trillion yuan over the past three years.
In the technology sector, Huawei and ZTE continue to support Qatar’s digital infrastructure and 5G expansion, while Chinese automobile brands including BYD, Geely, Chery, and Jetour are increasingly popular among Qatari consumers for their quality and innovation.
People-to-people exchanges are also expanding, with 132,000 Chinese visitors traveling to Qatar in 2025, a 28 percent increase from the previous year. Weekly direct flights between the two countries have risen to 67, further strengthening cultural and tourism links.
Ambassador Cao noted that 2026 marks both the 105th anniversary of the CPC and the launch year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, while Qatar continues advancing its Vision 2030 development strategy. He said this convergence offers new opportunities for deeper cooperation.
He called for stronger China–Qatar collaboration in trade, investment, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and global governance, urging both sides to serve as strategic partners, development partners, and close friends.
The reception concluded in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the strong friendship between China and Qatar and their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and promoting global stability.