Qatar has committed to prioritizing China’s energy supply and safeguarding maritime shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as both countries seek to ease tensions in the Middle East and strengthen bilateral relations. The pledge came during a meeting in Beijing on September 25 between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, marking the conclusion of Sheikh Mohammed’s official two-day visit to the Chinese capital.
The two officials emphasized the critical importance of maintaining uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor for global energy shipments. Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Qatar’s backing of diplomatic efforts aimed at securing freedom of navigation and achieving sustainable peace in the region, according to a statement from Qatar’s foreign ministry.
The discussions covered major regional developments and ongoing diplomatic initiatives to reduce conflict and promote security. Both sides reviewed their strategic bilateral partnership and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in energy, investment, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Qatar, which relies heavily on its energy exports, views China as its largest trading and energy partner.
China’s foreign ministry noted that Sheikh Mohammed expressed Qatar’s determination to overcome challenges and ensure the steady flow of energy resources to China. Wang highlighted that China regards Qatar as a key partner in its Middle East diplomacy, with their growing political trust and collaboration reflecting substantial progress in recent years.
Wang also underscored China’s support for Qatar’s sovereignty, independence, and security. He expressed confidence in Qatar’s ongoing support for China’s core interests and commended Doha’s long-standing role in mediating regional conflicts and contributing to peace efforts.
In addition to diplomatic meetings, Sheikh Mohammed held talks with senior executives from various Chinese companies to discuss joint ventures and cooperative initiatives.
The foreign minister-level dialogue followed Premier Li Qiang’s meeting with Sheikh Mohammed earlier in the week. Li pledged to enhance collaboration in areas including energy, investment, and artificial intelligence, while praising Qatar as a vital strategic ally in the Gulf and supporting its role in regional mediation.
Wang reiterated China’s vision for establishing a “new regional security architecture” in the Middle East and Gulf region, reflecting a recent four-point proposal by President Xi Jinping aimed at reducing external interference, prioritizing economic development, and promoting regional self-determination. He warned that ongoing regional tensions are adversely affecting not only local security but also global energy markets and supply chains.
“Pressure through the use of force is not the way forward. Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable path,” Wang said, without naming specific countries but emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty and security of all regional states and address their legitimate concerns.
China signaled its readiness to continue coordinating with Qatar and other regional actors to restore peace and stability and help establish a more equitable security framework for the area.