China and UAE Strengthen Defence and Energy Ties

China and the UAE have agreed to enhance their defence and security cooperation. The agreement followed a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both nations will continue to collaborate on energy projects, including crude oil reserves and nuclear energy.

China and the United Arab Emirates have emphasised a readiness to exchange experiences on defence and security, with a view to upgrading capacities of military personnel and security institutions in both countries, China's foreign ministry said on Sunday. China said both sides appreciated their defence, military and security cooperation and coordination, the increased visits between both militaries, as well as mutual participation in training, exhibitions and official activities.

This was announced in a joint declaration after UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had a bilateral meeting with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. Chinese armed forces held the first air force drills with the UAE in China last August, a move widely seen as Beijing working to increase influence in the Gulf to counter the United States. China also signed a deal to export attack planes to the UAE last year.

On energy, both countries agreed to explore cooperation on crude oil reserves, to encourage and support Chinese and Emirati enterprises to strengthen coordination in renewable energy, oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, strategic oil storage, hydrogen and ammonia. Both countries also have eyes set on exploring joint nuclear energy projects including constructing nuclear power stations and more research and development.