China Promotes Harmony While Welcoming Qatar Emir Amid Gulf Dispute, Reports Reuters

By Ben Blanchard

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for "unity and harmony" during a welcome meeting with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Thursday. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions, as several Arab nations led by Saudi Arabia have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Since June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt have severed diplomatic, commercial, and transport relationships with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and fostering ties with Iran, a key rival. Qatar has vigorously denied these allegations, asserting that the embargo infringes on its sovereignty. Efforts by Kuwait and the United States to mediate the dispute have thus far been unsuccessful, highlighting the importance of Gulf unity in countering Iranian influence.

As the fallout continues, Qatar has cultivated relationships with its allies, notably Turkey, with trade between the two nations projected to increase significantly in 2018.

China has maintained a neutral position in the dispute, advocating for resolution through dialogue. Nonetheless, it has welcomed senior Qatari officials, including meetings with Qatar’s foreign minister in December.

During their meeting in the Great Hall of the People, Xi articulated that regional cooperation is essential for prosperity in the Gulf. According to state media, he expressed China’s support for the Gulf Cooperation Council’s efforts to resolve disputes through political and diplomatic channels, seeking to restore "unity and harmony" among Gulf and Arab nations.

Xi referred to Sheikh Al Thani as "an old friend and a good friend." The Qatari emir expressed delight in their personal relationship and stated his country’s readiness to increase investments in China, particularly in infrastructure and other critical sectors. He also affirmed Qatar’s commitment to supply China with liquefied gas and voiced enthusiasm about being in China.

In an agreement reached last October, Qatar Petroleum announced a five-year commitment to provide China with 600,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) annually. The two leaders also signed memorandums of understanding focused on diplomatic training, future trade delegations, and a strategy to integrate Qatar into China’s Belt and Road initiative, enhancing global infrastructure and trade connections.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways revealed that it acquired a 5 percent stake in a major Chinese airline to expand its access to the burgeoning Chinese market.

Historically, China has played a limited role in Middle Eastern conflicts or diplomacy, despite its dependence on the region for oil. However, it is increasingly aiming to elevate its profile, particularly in the Arab world, as evidenced by visits, including one by Saudi King Salman to Beijing in 2017.

China faces the challenge of balancing its relationships in the region, as it maintains strong connections with both Iran and Israel.