Beijing has announced plans to enhance coordination with Doha to address regional tensions related to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently concluded a two-day visit to China, where officials characterized the relationship as entering a new "golden decade." China has identified Qatar as an "important strategic partner" in the Middle East, and both nations have agreed to broaden cooperation in energy, investment, and advanced technologies.
The discussions between the two countries were influenced by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, as Qatar continues its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington. Ibrahim bin Sultan al-Hashmi, director of the Department of Media and Communications at Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, stated, "It’s not acceptable at all to have this state of no war and no peace. This is not beneficial to the region, the countries of the region, and the people." He emphasized that Qatar is actively working with partners, including China, to exert diplomatic efforts and explore new ideas.
China has committed to increasing communication and coordination with Qatar to help restore regional peace and stability. Qatar has assured China that it will prioritize its energy supply despite ongoing challenges. The disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has heightened the stakes for both nations, as Qatar is a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and China is the largest importer of crude oil.
Bilateral trade between China and Qatar reached $23.8 billion last year, with Qatar being China’s second-largest source of LNG, supplying 19.4 million tonnes in 2025. QatarEnergy has entered into long-term LNG supply agreements with Chinese state-owned companies CNPC and Sinopec, which have also invested in Qatar’s North Field gas expansion.
Despite shared interests, Qatar and China have differing approaches to dealing with Iran. While China supports Qatar’s mediation efforts, it has refrained from criticizing Tehran’s actions and has attributed the conflict primarily to the US and Israel. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated the need for a diplomatic resolution, stating that military pressure is not a solution.
Qatar has condemned Iran for attacks on its territory and neighboring Gulf states, expressing frustration over stalled crisis resolution attempts while continuing to facilitate dialogue. Closer ties with Beijing may provide Qatar with additional support in its efforts to end the conflict, particularly given China’s strong economic and political ties to Iran.
China is also aware of Qatar’s security partnership with the US, which hosts the largest military base in the Middle East at Al Udeid. Following a recent missile attack from Iran that struck Al Udeid, Qatar has called for stronger security ties with Washington. However, experts suggest that China does not aim to replace the US as a security guarantor but seeks to position itself as a relevant political and economic actor in the region.
The Qatari prime minister’s visit was not solely focused on Iran; it also aimed to expand cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and finance. Reports indicate that 520 Chinese companies operate in Qatar, generating over $3 billion in investments and creating more than 3,200 jobs over the past decade. The visit highlights a partnership that is growing economically and may become more significant diplomatically as the ongoing conflict tests the interests of both nations.