His Majesty King Abdullah II said Jordan looks forward to expanding the scope of cooperation with China and strengthening air connectivity between the two countries, describing China as one of Jordan’s most important global partners and a key target market for inbound and outbound tourism.
The King made the remarks in a press interview with Xinhua, the official news agency of the People’s Republic of China, published Monday in Chinese, English and Arabic. The interview addressed relations between Jordan and China, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.
During the interview, King Abdullah discussed his upcoming visit to China and opportunities to build on the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance cooperation in economic, investment, development, tourism, cultural and other fields.
The interview also addressed China’s role in the region. The King stressed the importance of Beijing’s efforts to support international peace and security and build on its significant presence on the international stage to help advance efforts toward a two-state solution.
Below is the full text of the interview:
Xinhua News Agency: 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the People’s Republic of China. How do you assess, Your Majesty, the development of bilateral relations over the past decade? What are the most significant milestones and achievements that reflect the depth and distinctiveness of these relations, particularly in terms of political trust, economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two friendly countries?
His Majesty King Abdullah II: First, I would like to thank you and Xinhua News Agency for your commitment to covering news about Jordan and the Kingdom’s partnership with China. I look forward to my upcoming visit to your beautiful country and to meeting President Xi Jinping again to discuss ways to take our partnership to broader horizons.
The longstanding relationship between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the People’s Republic of China provides a solid foundation for advancing our shared priorities, fostering innovation and achieving greater prosperity for our two peoples.
Jordan’s strategic location, resources and skilled young population, combined with China’s economic strength, technological expertise and global reach, create exceptional opportunities to expand cooperation. China continues to play a vital role in efforts to promote international peace and stability and address regional and global challenges.
My upcoming visit coincides with two important milestones: more than a decade since the establishment of our strategic partnership in 2015, and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which will take place next year, in 2027.
Since the establishment of our strategic partnership, bilateral relations have made significant progress, with cooperation expanding beyond traditional diplomatic ties to include trade and investment, infrastructure, education, healthcare and cultural exchanges. Despite regional and global challenges, our two countries have remained committed to strengthening this partnership, resulting in steady progress for the benefit of both sides.
China has long been a key partner in building the capacity of Jordan’s public sector. Between 2015 and 2025, thousands of Jordanians in both the public and private sectors benefited from training programmes and scholarships provided by the Chinese government. Our cooperation now extends across the entire education sector, from school education and cooperation in training teachers and supervisors and Chinese-language education to higher education.
In addition, Chinese investments in Jordan’s energy sector have contributed significantly to achieving self-sufficiency and implementing our strategy to diversify energy sources. In the mining sector, the investment partnership between the two countries resulted in the State Development & Investment Corporation (SDIC) acquiring a 28 percent stake in Arab Potash Company for $502 million.
We look forward to expanding cooperation into areas such as green energy, scientific innovation, tourism and civil aviation, while continuing to deepen our strategic development partnership.
Xinhua News Agency: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is moving forward with its economic modernization plans and transition toward green development. We would like to hear Your Majesty’s vision of the key areas in which Jordan is advancing its reform and development efforts and the main pillars of this vision. In your view, how can practical cooperation frameworks with China be strengthened in sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy and human resources development to support Jordan’s economic modernization?
The King: Despite decades of instability in the region, Jordan continues to move forward with the Economic Modernization Vision, a roadmap extending to 2033 that focuses on prosperity, improving quality of life and achieving inclusive, long-term growth through strategic partnerships.
The Economic Modernization Vision is based on the premise that an efficient public sector equipped with digital capabilities is essential to enhancing economic competitiveness and attracting investment. Jordan has made significant progress in digitizing government services, with one of its key priorities being the integration of artificial intelligence into public administration to streamline procedures. These efforts are therefore driving the digital transformation of Jordan’s public sector as a foundation for a modern and competitive economy.
Jordan is also strategically positioned to become a regional hub for manufacturing and exports. Chinese industrial investments can build on this by benefiting from our natural resources, skilled workforce, stable business environment, strategic location and extensive network of free trade agreements.
Sustainability is another of the three pillars of the Economic Modernization Vision. The energy sector is perhaps the best example of this progress. The share of renewable energy in total power generation has risen from less than 1 percent a decade ago to around 27 percent today, with a target of reaching 40 percent by 2035. To maintain this momentum, Jordan is investing in renewable energy infrastructure, including a number of renewable power generation and storage projects with a combined capacity of nearly 1 gigawatt, representing investment opportunities worth more than $1 billion.
Another key priority is promoting sustainable, high-value tourism growth. The goal is not only to double visitor numbers, but also to diversify tourist markets, encourage longer stays, improve air connectivity and ensure greater benefits for local communities. Tourism cooperation should also support job creation for Jordanians, facilitate knowledge transfer and protect Jordan’s cultural and natural heritage. We look forward to strengthening air connectivity with China, as it is one of our most important global partners and one of the main target markets for inbound and outbound tourism.
We also see significant potential for deeper cooperation with China by establishing Jordan as a distinctive destination for Chinese film and television production, building on our world-class production capabilities and the Kingdom’s unique filming locations.
Xinhua News Agency: Amid the growing complexities in the region, and as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a key pillar of regional stability, could Your Majesty brief us on Jordan’s efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, particularly with regard to the Palestinian issue? How can coordination and cooperation between Jordan and China be strengthened to support efforts to achieve regional peace and stability?
The King: Despite the regional situation, we constantly seek to take the initiative and encourage coordination and cooperation to achieve peace, while always remaining committed to our principles. Our diplomatic efforts have consistently focused on this approach.
I have always said that the Palestinian issue will remain the central issue in our region, and I firmly believe this. What we have witnessed in recent years confirms this reality. Unless this issue is addressed, the region will remain vulnerable to recurring waves of violence that will grow in intensity and scope, with repercussions extending far beyond the region’s borders.
Palestinians are facing unprecedented measures, including escalating settler attacks, the rapid and widespread expansion of illegal settlements, the seizure and confiscation of land, the demolition of homes and violations of their sanctity, as well as harassment and incitement at Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. These measures cannot continue without being addressed. It is our collective responsibility to ensure respect for international law, United Nations resolutions and human rights.
Jordan’s efforts focus on achieving de-escalation in the region, fulfilling our role under the Hashemite Custodianship over the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, working to end unilateral measures that obstruct peace, and seeking a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue that leads to the establishment of an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living alongside Israel in peace and security.
We look forward to coordinating with China, as an influential global voice and a key partner, and building on its significant role on the international stage to help advance the two-state solution.
Our humanitarian efforts in Gaza also continue, and we are grateful for China’s contributions to the ongoing relief efforts.
Xinhua News Agency: With the profound transformations taking place in the international system, the growing importance of the countries of the Global South in shaping the future of global governance has become increasingly evident. In this context, what is Your Majesty’s position on the role of these countries, including China and the Arab states? How do you view Jordan’s potential to play an active role as a bridge for strengthening cooperation between Arab countries and China, as well as with international partners, in a way that serves stability and shared development?
The King: The Global South is assuming an increasingly important role internationally. Its influence is growing in relation to the global economy and security, as well as the promotion of sustainable development. This makes it increasingly important to develop a global system based on solid foundations consistent with international law and multilateral cooperation.
We value China’s calls for a fair global order and look forward to strengthening cooperation between us to advance international cooperation and promote respect for international law. The crises we are witnessing today remind us that we are all interconnected and underscore the importance of creating the right environment for joint action and dialogue. It is time for our two regions to work together to build greater resilience and develop bilateral efforts to address these types of crises.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has an important role to play in supporting international peace and security. We have witnessed the growth of relations between China and Arab countries in recent years, reflecting shared interests in development and fruitful cooperation.
For our part, Jordan has consistently made tireless efforts to support regional connectivity, greater cooperation and stronger relations. Jordan has long pursued a foreign policy based on dialogue and constructive engagement. Our commitment to international law and peaceful solutions to disputes has enabled us to build trusted partnerships and promote dialogue across different regions.
Xinhua News Agency: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Arab countries. We would appreciate Your Majesty’s assessment and vision of the model of cooperation that has developed between the two sides, based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit.
The King: This milestone demonstrates a relationship that has withstood regional crises and changes. Its continuity is the result of sustained practical engagement and a commitment to identifying common ground and serving shared interests.
The approach of mutual benefit is the fundamental formula behind the success of the China-Arab cooperation model. It has enabled both sides to see tangible results from this cooperation and build strategic partnerships based on trust.
There is also significant untapped potential that can be explored to raise the level of cooperation regionally and internationally. China is a global center of economic and political power and has become an international model and source of inspiration in development and economic advancement.
We hope to see closer cooperation between our two countries in the coming days and years. Arab countries are keen to benefit extensively from China’s experience. We also look forward to strengthening ties between our peoples, building lasting friendships and fostering mutual understanding between our two countries.
Xinhua News Agency: Thank you, Your Majesty.
The King: Thank you.
