40 Years of UAE-China Ties: For a World Partnership and Better Economy

By Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi – Not anymore, not everybody has access to the internet today as they did in the past or has equal opportunity to book online.

Thus, September 21st, 2019, becoming the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the People’s Republic of China is not only the achievement in two powerful states’ development, but also is the indicator of the rapid growth of strong and unique comprehensive strategic Partnership. This event not only commemorates the existing close relations between the UAE and China but also our dual appreciation of vibrant global diplomacy as well as trade.The Early Days: The First Steps in Building Diplomatic CadreUAE’s official diplomatic relations with China; however, started much later in 1984. One of the births of this budding partnership was highlighted in 1990 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, father of the UAE and the first president of the nation, became the first GCC state head to visit China on a state visit. Accompanied by warm hosues, which was by then Chinese President Yang Shangkun, Zayed’s visit has created the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership for common benefits and mutual esteem.A Legacy of CooperationIt is to the foresight of Sheikh Zayed and his Chinese counterparts that both the UAE and China have benefited from a number of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding as the two countries work together for over a period of three decades where the two countries have entered into more than 130 bilateral agreements. These agreements cover a broad area and this has revealed the fact that the partnership which we have had with this country is constantly changing and is thriving.In the recent state trip by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to China, the UAE and China penned new signed 19 new cooperation agreements and MoUs that would expand our cooperation in more areas including tourism, industry, and technology, media and the Belt and Road Initiative. This visit is therefore indicative of the constantly improving relations and partnership as well as the evidence of even greater commitment to widening cooperation. goes beyond mere exchange of individual gains and outcomes, contributing to the increase of globalization of international economy.

A Historical Connection: Époch of the Great Silk Road | Belt and Road InitiativeThe bilateral relationship of UAE and China goes beyond these last forty years; however, it can traced back to the history of thousands of years. This is a famous old trade route that connected China to other parts of the world and playing a significant role in the spread of cultures and ideas, including technological advancements. Many advantages appeared in ancient China as well as in the countries on the way to becoming great which include the UAE along this corridor.Coming from this historical narrative the UAE has turned into an essential stakeholder for China’s belt and road vision. This contemporary endeavor serves the purpose of strengthening economic ties and creating new bonds as well as developing a mutual cooperation between societies beyond the geographical borders and cultural differences while referencing to the heritage of the Old World trade route of the Silk Road.Looking Forward: A probable and possible future for the coupleTherefore, on the occasion of the 40-year anniversary of the diplomatic relations, the UAE-China partnership has been proven to be resilient and will continue to do so for the future years. For this reason, changes that we have inherited from our ancestors provide a basis for a perspective, which in the future is replete with prospects and opportunities to actively build a postwar economy and cooperation with other countries.The UAE continues to be supportive of focusing on cooperation with China to strengthen our cooperation for numerous areas to come up with joint efforts that will benefit both nations and contribute to the achievement of the global goal of creating a prosperous and connected world.To me this is quite a symbolic step, as in this ceremony we remember and appreciate not only the history of our cooperation but also our potential for future achievements. The UAE-China relationship can be aptly viewed as an example of what can be when both parties hold one another in high esteem and where both side’s policy objectives converge.However, UAE and China will uphold this pattern of partnered civilization and progress moving forward to reshape and globalize the world economy to the betterment of the two countries and the rest of humanity.