Beijing and Doha deepen partnership amid Gulf tensions
Qatar's prime minister visited Beijing, where both sides agreed to expand cooperation in energy, investment, and advanced technologies. China pledged to increase coordination with Doha to help restore regional peace and stability amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. Qatar also assured China that it would prioritize energy supply despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Beijing serves as Doha's foremost commercial partner, with bilateral trade reaching $23.8 billion last year. Qatar supplied 19.4 million tons of LNG to China in 2025, and multi-decade supply contracts spanning 27 years link Qatari energy giant QatarEnergy with Chinese firms CNPC and Sinopec, which also hold stakes in the North Field expansion.
Despite shared interests in stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz, the two capitals diverge on Iran. Beijing avoids direct criticism of Tehran's actions, instead attributing the conflict to US and Israeli policies, while maintaining its role as Iran's top economic ally. Conversely, Doha has openly condemned Iranian conduct, reflecting their distinct mediation strategies.
The strengthened Beijing-Doha axis could offer an alternative diplomatic avenue to mitigate the ongoing conflict, potentially easing global energy price shocks that affect households and industries. However, their differing approaches to Tehran may limit the effectiveness of joint pressure, meaning disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could persist. This uncertainty may continue to strain shipping logistics and inflate fuel costs for consumers worldwide, while Gulf populations could face prolonged regional instability.