His Majesty the King in China: A Timely Visit

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

I regard His Majesty King Abdullah II’s visit to China as a significant step at an important time, where China is evolving, and the world is changing alongside it. It is in Jordan’s interest to be present as this new era takes shape. I believe His Majesty’s wisdom is once again reflected in both the choice of partnerships and their timing, as well as in the comprehension that Jordan’s relationship with China should not just be simply an addition to Jordan’s list of international ties, but rather a strategic relationship with a nation that has become an integral part of the global economic and political landscape.

This is, of course, not the first time His Majesty has demonstrated his commitment to diversifying Jordan’s economic and political relations. What distinguishes this royal wisdom, is that foreign policy should not be based on managing one relationship at the expense of another; rather, it focuses on expanding Jordan’s network of relations in a way that serves Jordan’s interests and preserves its freedom of maneuver. Thus, this is not just a royal visit to a major power, but rather a wise illustration of Jordan’s relevancy in a changing world, to broaden its options, as well as build new bridges toward the East; without discarding the bridges it has already established across the world.

I am among those who have followed China’s experience with admiration over the past years; not because I regard it as a role model that can be replicated exactly as is, given that each country has its own unique circumstances, history, and particularities, but rather because China has succeeded in establishing a new global position for itself. Within a few decades, it has evolved from a large nation into an economic, industrial, and technological power whose influence can no longer be overlooked.

This alone underscores the significance of His Majesty’s visit, where he recognized years ago that Jordan’s economic relations should not remain limited to a single direction. His Majesty has been actively pursuing this, by opening new avenues for Jordan while simultaneously maintaining its network of traditional ties, a challenging task in a world where politics has become deeply intertwined with the economy. Today, China is a partner that cannot be ignored.

Of course, the issue is not only the size of the Chinese market; which in itself is enough to command the attention of any economy. Beijing has also become a hub for industry, technology, and investment, with its companies establishing a presence in sectors that, until recently, were dominated by Western, Japanese, and South Korean firms. In this landscape, Jordan sees vast potential for deepening cooperation with China.
We have a strategic location, proficient human capital, and extensive regional networks, while China offers industrial and technological expertise alongside significant investment potential; it is only natural, then, for our interests to align in many areas.

What stands out most about this visit, however, is its timing. It comes at a moment when many countries are reassessing and diversifying their economic relationships, after the world realized that relying on a limited number of partners and markets can, in an instant, become a source of vulnerability. His Majesty clearly recognizes these shifts, which is a wise approach that deserves great appreciation.
As for China itself, I believe that the most remarkable aspect of its experience is not the skyscrapers, factories, high-speed rail networks, and technology companies, but rather the years that preceded all of that. It is the story of a country that resolved to work hard over many years, investing in its people, industry, and education, and gradually building its capabilities until it reached the vastly different position it holds today, and this is perhaps one of the main reasons for my interest in this visit.

Jordan is no stranger to this concept. His Majesty the King has consistently prioritized education, technology, and the knowledge-based economy. Consequently, cooperation with a nation that has made significant strides in these fields is both natural and mutually beneficial.

Moreover, relations between nations are not always measured solely by what is announced on the day of a visit. Sometimes, the true significance of a visit lies in the new direction it paves. His Majesty’s visit to China opens a vital path for Jordan, affirming that the Kingdom views the world from a broader perspective and recognizes that its economic future hinges on its ability to forge balanced, diverse relationships with emerging centers of economic power.