Kuwait is positioning itself to significantly deepen its strategic partnership with China, aligning its national development goals with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while advocating for enhanced Chinese involvement in regional stability efforts. The announcement comes as the two nations prepare to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, characterized 2026 as a “year of achievements” that would elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Gulf state and China. In an exclusive interview, Hayat emphasized that Kuwait meticulously follows Chinese policy announcements and development concepts, viewing China as the ideal partner to realize Kuwait’s Vision 2035 blueprint—an ambitious plan to transform the country into a regional financial and trade hub.
The bilateral relationship has already yielded substantial benefits through BRI cooperation established since 2014. Major infrastructure projects include the new headquarters of Kuwait’s Central Bank and Sabah AlSalem University City, which have significantly upgraded local infrastructure and improved public welfare. Technological collaboration has also flourished, with Huawei partnering to make Kuwait the first Middle Eastern nation to achieve nationwide 5G coverage.
Energy cooperation remains the cornerstone of the relationship, with Kuwait serving as China’s fifth-largest crude oil supplier—exporting one-third of its daily production to Chinese markets. Trade relationships have expanded dramatically, with China maintaining its position as Kuwait’s largest trading partner for eight consecutive years. The automotive sector illustrates this growth: of 67 auto brands currently sold in Kuwait, 27 are Chinese manufacturers—a remarkable increase from just seven or eight years ago.
Beyond economic ties, Hayat stressed the strategic importance of China’s growing role in Middle Eastern stability. He revealed that Kuwait would participate at the highest level in upcoming China-Arab States and China-Gulf Cooperation Council summits, where regional security and development will feature prominently on agendas. “Now more than ever, we need China’s solutions—this should be an era of peace and development, not war,” Hayat asserted.
Reflecting on China’s transformation since his first visit in 1982, Hayat described China’s modernization as a “miracle” and expressed confidence that China would continue to surprise the world with its achievements. The senior diplomat, who previously served as Kuwait’s ambassador to China from 2016 to 2023, personally embodies the growing ties—he proudly drives a Chinese Hongqi vehicle, noting his particular affection for the brand.