China, Jordan FMs Meet Amid Landmark State Visit
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Beijing on August 23, as King Abdullah II concluded a landmark state visit to China that has deepened the strategic partnership between the two countries. The meeting, which took place during the king’s seven-day visit from August 18-24, focused on bilateral relations, regional stability, and the Palestinian question, according to Xinhua News.
A Diplomatic Milestone
The meeting between Wang and Safadi served as a preparatory engagement ahead of King Abdullah II’s talks with President Xi Jinping, which concluded with the issuance of a joint statement on deepening the strategic partnership. Wang described the king’s visit as an “important milestone” reflecting the depth of bilateral ties, according to Petra News Agency.
This was King Abdullah II’s first state visit to China since 2015, when the two countries established their Strategic Partnership, and his ninth visit since his accession to the throne in 1999. The visit was announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 14.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
During the meeting, Wang expressed China’s appreciation for Jordan’s firm commitment to a friendly policy toward Beijing and its adherence to the One-China principle, as reported by China.org.cn. He affirmed that China will continue to support Jordan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Safadi, for his part, reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to the One-China principle, stating that the position “will not waver,” according to China News Service. He expressed Jordan’s willingness to deepen cooperation with China across various fields and voiced appreciation for Beijing’s positive and responsible role on Middle East issues.
The two sides discussed the approximately 24 agreements and memorandums of understanding expected to be signed during the visit, covering sectors including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology, as Jordan News reported.
Regional Issues at the Forefront
A central focus of the discussions was the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian question and the Gaza ceasefire. Wang emphasized that “the Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue and must not be marginalized or instrumentalized,” as China Daily Asia reported. He called on all parties to maintain communication and dialogue to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian situation there.
Safadi praised China’s firm support for the two-state solution and its constructive role in efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The joint statement issued following the leaders’ talks affirmed that the two-state solution is “the only way to achieve just and lasting peace,” according to the Royal Hashemite Court.
Economic Ties and Trade Imbalance
The visit carried significant economic weight. China became Jordan’s largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade exceeding $6.7 billion, representing growth of more than 25 percent. However, the relationship is heavily tilted in Beijing’s favor, with Chinese exports to Jordan totaling about $6.29 billion compared to just $430 million in Jordanian exports to China, according to Al-Monitor.
Jordan’s business community is seeking to move beyond conventional trade toward production, investment, and technology transfer. Senator Khalil El-Haj Tawfiq, Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, told Global Times that Jordan wants to “translate the momentum created by the visit into tangible projects, investments, and employment opportunities on the ground.”
Chinese direct investments in Jordan between 2010 and 2025 exceeded $3.56 billion across 71 projects, with a proposed $1.155 billion green hydrogen project signed in September 2025.
Strategic Recalibration
The visit reflects a broader regional recalibration, as US partners in the Middle East seek more economic options and strategic room to maneuver. Analysts note that Jordan is not choosing Beijing over Washington but pursuing a middle path—preserving its US security relationship while expanding economic ties with China.
As Jordan News analysis observed, the visit represents Jordan’s attempt to redefine its value in a changing world order, positioning itself as a geopolitical bridge between China and the Arab region.
Looking Ahead
As both countries prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, the visit has set the stage for deeper cooperation across trade, investment, energy, and technology. The joint statement also included commitments to explore direct flights between the two countries and expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as green economy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
King Abdullah II extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Jordan at a mutually agreed time, signaling continued momentum in the bilateral relationship as both nations navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.