By Tariq Yousef Al-Shumaimri
Editor-In-Chief, The Times Kuwait
In 1971, Kuwait became the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, opening a new chapter in the region’s foreign policy.
This historic step was not accidental, but rather the result of Kuwait’s political vision to diversify its international partnerships, coupled with China’s recognition of Kuwait’s diplomatic and economic role in the Gulf.
Since then, the relations have evolved from political cooperation,economic and energy ties, to the declaration of a ‘strategic partnership’ in 2018. During the first two decades (1971–1990), Kuwait–China relations were primarily focused on diplomatic and political dimensions. Both countries exchanged support during international forums; Kuwait affirmed its commitment to the ‘One China’ principle, while Beijing supported Kuwait’s independence and sovereignty. This stage was largely about building political trust, without major economic presence.
With China’s economic rise in the 1990s and early 2000s, the economic dimension became central to this relationship. China’s growing energy needs made Kuwait a key supplier of crude oil and petroleum products. Conversely, China became a major source of Kuwait’s imports, including manufactured goods, machinery, and electronics.
According to international trade data, Kuwait’s imports from China accounted for around US$7.4 billion in 2023, making Beijing one of Kuwait’s most important trading partners. Kuwaiti exports to China remain primarily crude oil, with energy continuing to drive the economic relationship.
