China Pledges to Boost Strategic Communication with GCC, Support Regional Autonomy, and Accelerate Free Trade Agreement

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a meeting with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi that China is ready to strengthen strategic communication and protect common interests with the GCC, aiming to contribute to the collective self-reliance of the Global South.

China's Position and Vision (Wang Yi):

• Deepening Partnership: Wang Yi emphasized that Sino-GCC relations have grown significantly, especially since the first China-GCC Summit in Riyadh in late 2022, making them "ideal partners for win-win cooperation."

• Strategic Autonomy: China supports the GCC in strengthening its strategic independence, consolidating its unity, and practicing multilateralism. He urged both sides to continue robust support on issues concerning their core interests.

• Economic Cooperation (BRI): China is ready to advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.

• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Wang noted that conditions are now "fundamentally favorable" for taking the "final crucial step" to conclude the China-GCC FTA. Finalizing the deal would send a strong signal in defense of multilateralism against rising protectionism.

• Regional Role: China will continue to play a constructive role in resolving regional hot-spot issues (like the Palestinian issue) and protecting stability in the Middle East.

GCC's Position (Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi):

• Trusted Partner: Al-Budaiwi affirmed the GCC's deep friendship with China, which has always been a "reliable and strategic partner."

• Implementing Consensus: The GCC is ready to work with China to actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders, deepening cooperation in energy and innovation within the BRI framework.

• Looking Ahead: The Council looks forward to the early conclusion of the FTA, as well as the second China-Arab and China-GCC summits in China next year.

• Praising China's Stance: The GCC praised China's "just position" on regional issues like the Palestinian issue and its positive efforts to ease regional tensions, including promoting reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.