rki.news
By Haroon Rashid Qureshi
DOHA: Chinese Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Cao Xiaolin has described China-Qatar relations as being at their “best period in history,” while outlining Beijing’s vision for deeper cooperation with Qatar and improved strategic engagement with the United States.
Speaking during a detailed media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Doha on Tuesday, Ambassador Cao said the strategic partnership between China and Qatar has witnessed rapid progress since its establishment in 2014 by President Xi Jinping and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The ambassador noted that political mutual trust between the two countries continues to deepen, with both nations supporting each other on major regional and international issues. He praised Qatar’s support for the one-China principle and Beijing’s positions on Taiwan and Xinjiang-related matters.
Ambassador Cao emphasized that China supports Qatar’s sovereignty, security, and regional stability, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He reiterated China’s consistent position in favor of dialogue, ceasefire efforts, and peaceful negotiations to address conflicts in the Gulf region.
Highlighting economic achievements, the ambassador said China has remained Qatar’s largest trading partner and export destination since 2020. Bilateral trade volume rose from US$10.6 billion in 2014 to nearly US$23.81 billion in 2025, reflecting strong economic cooperation between the two countries.
He said practical cooperation has expanded from traditional energy partnerships to infrastructure development, financial investment, advanced technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and food security. Ambassador Cao also pointed to the growing popularity of Chinese automobiles in Qatar, noting that Chinese brands accounted for over 30 percent of passenger vehicle sales in Qatar last year.
The ambassador highlighted increasing cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries. More Qatari students are participating in Chinese educational programs, while Chinese tourism to Qatar recorded strong growth in 2025. He also referred to the giant pandas “Suhail” and “Thuraya” as symbols of friendship between the peoples of both countries.
Discussing China’s recently approved 15th Five-Year Development Plan, Ambassador Cao said the strategy focuses on economic modernization, innovation, sustainable development, and emerging industries. He added that the plan aligns closely with Qatar National Vision 2030, creating broad opportunities for future cooperation.
Turning to international affairs, Ambassador Cao described the recent state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to China as an important and historic development in China-U.S. relations. He said President Xi Jinping and President Trump held nearly nine hours of discussions covering bilateral ties, global peace, economic cooperation, and major international issues.
According to the ambassador, the two leaders agreed to pursue “a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability” aimed at expanding cooperation while managing differences responsibly. Both countries also agreed to strengthen exchanges in trade, public health, tourism, military relations, and people-to-people contacts.
Ambassador Cao reiterated that Taiwan remains China’s core national interest and stressed that Beijing firmly opposes any form of “Taiwan independence.” He also rejected allegations concerning Xinjiang, describing them as politically motivated attempts to contain China’s development.
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Cao said China remains committed to promoting peace, stability, development, and mutually beneficial international cooperation, while working closely with Qatar and other regional partners for shared prosperity.