Xi, Jordan’s King Abdullah Deepen Strategic Partnership
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday, as the two leaders agreed to deepen the China-Jordan strategic partnership and signed multiple cooperation documents. The meeting, which took place on the final day of the Jordanian monarch’s weeklong state visit to China, underscored Beijing’s continued diplomatic engagement with Middle Eastern nations amid heightened regional volatility.
A Strategic Partnership Nearing Its 50th Anniversary
China and Jordan established diplomatic relations in 1977 and elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2015. According to Xinhua News, Xi noted that the two countries have “always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and cooperated for mutual benefit, serving as a vivid example of win-win cooperation and mutual learning between countries with different social systems and different sizes.”
The two leaders agreed to use the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 as an opportunity to further deepen the partnership. Xi emphasized that building “a more substantive and dynamic China-Jordan relationship” aligns with the common expectations of both peoples and the broader trend of the Global South’s pursuit of strength through unity.
Talks and Cooperation Agreements
Prior to the talks, Xi held a formal welcome ceremony for King Abdullah II in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People, featuring honor guards, national anthems, a 21-gun salute at Tiananmen Square, and a military parade review. Xi later hosted a welcome banquet for the Jordanian monarch in the Golden Hall.
Following the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering diplomacy, economy and trade, industrial and supply chains, and justice. Both sides also issued the Joint Statement on Deepening the China-Jordan Strategic Partnership, outlining commitments to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, minerals, agriculture, tourism, education, and other sectors, while exploring new avenues in green economy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
King Abdullah II, who was making his ninth visit to China since ascending to the throne, praised China’s development achievements under President Xi’s leadership and reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to the One-China policy. “Jordan and China have established a strong strategic partnership, with both sides always respecting each other, cooperating closely, and achieving fruitful results in various fields,” he said.
Middle East Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
The two leaders exchanged views on the Middle East regional situation, with Xi outlining four principles for resolving the Palestinian question: political solution anchored in the two-state solution, “Palestinians governing Palestinians,” humanitarian protection, and fairness and justice. Xi reiterated that China “has always advocated a comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels.”
King Abdullah II expressed appreciation for China’s consistent fair stance in Middle East affairs, stating that “China’s just position is very important to regional countries.” The joint statement also addressed the Gaza ceasefire, Israeli actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and called for maintaining the US-Iran ceasefire and restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Deepening Economic Ties
The economic dimension of the visit was substantial. China became Jordan’s largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade rising by more than 25 percent to over $6.7 billion. Jordanian exports to China increased by around 80 percent during the first five months of 2026 to nearly $300 million, while Chinese investments in Jordan have crossed $3 billion across engineering, textiles, steel, ceramics, energy, logistics, and e-commerce.
During the visit, King Abdullah II also toured Shanghai and Shenzhen, including a technology showcase featuring Chinese companies in advanced air mobility and robotics. The King said Jordan’s strategic location and stable business environment reinforce its standing as a key regional services hub.
The two sides also agreed to work toward opening direct flights between China and Jordan, and King Abdullah II invited President Xi to visit Jordan at a mutually agreed time.
Broader Diplomatic Engagement
Beyond the summit with Xi, King Abdullah II met with Premier Li Qiang and NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji during his visit. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Beijing ahead of the talks.
According to China Daily Brief, the visit formalizes a roadmap to broaden China-Jordan cooperation from traditional trade and infrastructure into emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and green technology, while strengthening diplomatic channels amidst heightened regional volatility.
What to Watch
As China and Jordan approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, observers will be watching for progress on commercial agreements, potential direct flight connectivity, and the rollout of bilateral investment projects and cultural exchanges. The deepening partnership also signals China’s broader strategy of consolidating ties across the Arab world, with Jordan supporting China’s hosting of the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026.