China vows deeper cooperation with Qatar in energy, AI and Middle East de-escalation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged to deepen cooperation with Qatar in energy, investment, AI and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions.

Li delivered the remarks during a meeting on Monday in Beijing with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is on an official two-day visit to China aimed at bolstering bilateral ties.

His visit came as Beijing and Doha sought to navigate an increasingly volatile regional security environment and ensure international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for China’s energy imports and Qatar’s LNG exports, which supply nearly one-third of China’s LNG demand.

Iran on Monday said talks with Oman on a temporary safe passage through the strait were in their final stage, with the agreement expected to be registered with the International Maritime Organization in the coming days.

Tehran also confirmed that a Qatari delegation’s visit on Sunday was part of regional de-escalation efforts.

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“China stands ready to work with Qatar to strengthen communication and coordination, firmly support each other and deepen cooperation in energy, investment, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges,” Li was quoted as saying by the Chinese foreign ministry’s read-out.