Onjo Simson

  One of the significant moments is represented by the ‘Falcon Shield-2024’ joint training exercise between the air forces of China and the UAE vis-à-vis the strategic partnership between the two countries. At the point of north-west China's Uygur Autonomous Region in Xinjiang, it is showing that this joint training also adds up to further deepening military cooperation designed for understanding each other better.   As global security dynamics become more intricate, such engagements between two countries show how collaborating on defense issues is critically important. Through them both can exchange knowledge, improve skills on the ground and get ready for dangers which may arise affecting peace either regionally or globally. This second iteration of the Falcon Shield exercise is showing a broader geopolitical shift. China and the UAE are putting themselves out there as significant who have relationships which are close for military matters so that they may play major ro...

  The exemplary partnership between UAE and China celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations. The highlight of the historic moment was brought out in an Op-Ed attributed to Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the UAE Ambassador to China, who pointed out that it coincided with the two day state visit to China by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan from 30-31 May, 2024. Since its inception in 1984, the dynamics of this relationship have gained much stature to date. The relationship is complicated in that there are over a hundred and thirty treaties between two nations and much money is exchanged. Given the increasing speed at which the relationship is moving forward, it is obvious that by 2023 there was no simplicity $ 80.6 billion worth trade with Emirates which alone indicated strength.$11.4 billion have been invested by UAE in China and, on the other hand, $6.9 billion worth of Chinese investments have been made in the UAE thereby emphasizing a mutually advantageous relatio...

  Sheikh Mohamed visited Beijing on Thursday as the president. UAE signed multiple deals with China to enhance cooperation in vital fields including investments, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), industry and technology, and tourism. These accords amount to milestone towards boosting the strategic partnership among nations. In addition, the two countries agreed to spur investment cooperation in green development as reported by the State news agency WAM. This decision is in line with UAE’s wider strategy of enhancing relations with China, the second largest economy in the world. The UAE is already China's largest trading partner in the Arab world according to the data available, and trade and investment span various sectors such as crude oil, petrochemicals, and artificial intelligence. In 2022, the non-oil bilateral trade between China and UAE accounted for Dh264.2 billion ($72 billion). The collaboration of this is still largely manifested in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) l...

  On Thursday, the tenth session of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum was attended by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing to stress the urgency for Arab-Chinese cooperation and international efforts towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In his keynote address, Sheikh Mohamed pointed out increasing tensions in the Middle East, notably severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza Strip thus/emphasizing important/major need for global response united action. He restated goals to enhance the Arab nations’ relationship with China by working together for mutual gain emphasizing that Arab countries could not solve their problems by themselves, pointing out that without this alliance, they cannot deal with the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The President also asked for a fair and comprehensive peace in the region, suggesting that establishing two states might result in enduring peace. Sheikh Mohamed noted that Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum demonstrates ...

This week President Sheikh Mohamed embarks on state visits to South Korea and China where he will be focusing on trade deals, advanced technology and security. This visit signifies the UAE’s plans to promote economic relations, foster technological advancement and move away from oil dependence through diversifying its economy. Sheikh Mohamed is expected to travel to South Korea for a two-day visit that starts on Tuesday, followed by a visit to China on Thursday. The main aim is to acquire high-level technologies from these East Asian countries according to Shigeto Kondo, a senior researcher of Japan’s Institute of Energy Economics. Both nations are endowed with flourishing fields of specialization particularly in energy, where the UAE is keen on facilitating technology transfers, with the UAE being the biggest trade partner of China among Arabic countries due to its significant investments in various fields like petrochemicals, crude oil and artificial intelligence. Chinese investments...

  The Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed met with ZHU Yonglei, the Vice-Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration of China on discussion centered on enhancing cooperation in the media sector. The two parties showed keen interest in enhancing collaboration through various media domains and sharing knowledge which is a matter of great concern. Focusing on how important this relation was, Sheikh Abdulla stated that UAE and China have a variety of close links that keep growing stronger mainly because both countries’ top leaders continue visiting each other with a commitment to boosting relationships and cooperation. Behind the talks was the comprehensive strategic partnership promising sustainable development and prosperity between the pair; artificial intelligence (AI) issues in the media sector, as well as keeping pace with new media technology were among the topics of discussion with a view to creating distin...

  China is in talks with the Iraqi government to build 10 energy projects , including power plants, in central and southern Iraq. More than 20 Chinese companies are discussing new projects in Iraq. The Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to participate in power station projects in Iraq Chun, the commercial advisor at the Chinese embassy in Baghdad, confirmed that Chinese companies built several power plants in Iraq.   These projects could mark a notable turning point in Iraq's efforts to bolster its energy infrastructure and expand its sources of power. While China has traditionally been a key player in Iraq's oil and gas sectors, the current proposals take a more diversified approach by incorporating renewable and sustainable technologies. These developments align with Iraq's goals of reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. The ten projects encompass various facets of the energy sector, from solar and hydroelectric power to natu...

  China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, has met with the visiting commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense, Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi , to discuss ways to deepen military cooperation between the two countries. The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as training, exercises, and technology sharing. They also agreed to hold their first joint air force training in August. Of course, there are also some risks associated with the cooperation. However, the UAE is likely to weigh the risks and benefits of the cooperation carefully and decide that the benefits outweigh the risks. The Chinese government is likely to view the military cooperation with the UAE as a way to expand its influence in the Middle East and counter the influence of the United States. The cooperation is also seen as a way to secure access to oil and other resources from the region. The UAE government is likely to view the military cooperation with China as a way to strength...

  China and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen their cooperation in strategic areas, including development strategies, investment, and climate change. The two ministers agreed to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year as an opportunity to further consolidate the traditional friendship between their people. They also agreed to implement the important outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, and to strive for reaching an agreement on the China-GCC free trade agreement as soon as possible. This is a strategic move by both countries. It's good to see them working together to achieve common goals as there's a lot of potential for both countries to benefit. However, I'm also aware of the potential risks involved. Will it lead to increased trade and investment, or will it lead to new challenges? Regardless, this could be a win-win sit...