Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 3 June 2016: Beijing is eager to reciprocate the pivot to the East, by making Qatar a key partner in its "Belt and Road" initiative

Beijing is eager to reciprocate the pivot to the East, by making Qatar a key partner in its "Belt and Road" initiative, which was promoted by Chinese Foreign Minister in Doha. The so called "Belt and Road" is infrastructure and trade networks put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. Qatar is close ally to U.S. like many other Arab States, at the same time Qatar retain a "Look East" approach to its foreign policy, due to global shift in economic prosperity from North America and Europe to the Far East. China is aimed to bring together China, Central Asia, Russia and Europe, by linking China with the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea through Central Asia and the Indian Ocean.

“The Maritime Silk Road is designed to go from China's coast to Europe through the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean in one route, and from China's coast through the South China Sea to the South Pacific in the other.“ ©Sputnik

“Throughout recent years, China has become the Gulf's largest trading partner, and their partnership continues to thrive.” China has a number of projects which needs a significant amount of energy, that’s why the benefit of strengthening following cooperation is obvious. Read more>>

What is more, it will help Qatar to acquire a greater share of the energy market there.
China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are currently undertaking negotiations for a free-trade agreement and abolishing custom duties. Such negotiations will likely have positive outcome for both capitals and will bring an increase in their trade partnership.