China Sees Qatar as Key Partner in New Silk Road Initiative

Erika Miranda

YIBADA | Jun 05, 2016

China is eyeing Qatar as one of its key partners in completing the New Silk Road, with some reports noting that the Asian giant is also targeting better ties with the Middle Eastern country.  In May, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the Xinhua News Agency that Qatar is a major contributor to the completion of President Xi Jinping's "Belt and Road" initiative. 
According to the National Interest, Wang believes that China's economic bridging project "shares common cooperative opportunities" with Doha's future development roadmap launched in 2008.  Because of this, Qatar plays a vital role in the success of the New Silk Road that would connect China to Central Asia, Europe and Africa. 
Qatar's Role 
Wang's remarks came during a meeting with Emir H Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's head of state, prior to the ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF).  He also confirmed speculations that China is eyeing better relations with Qatar because of its rich resources.

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