jordan pulse -

His Majesty King Abdullah II's official visit to China on Monday will map out the next decade of strategic cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei.

Guo told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the upcoming summit marks a key milestone as Jordan and China approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Economic cooperation between Amman and Beijing expanded rapidly, according to the ambassador. China became Jordan’s top trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade surging over 25 percent to exceed USD6.7 billion. Jordan's exports to China jumped 80 percent in the first five months of this year alone, reaching nearly USD300 million.

Chinese investments in Jordan now exceed USD3 billion, supporting major sectors such as engineering, textiles, steel, ceramics, energy, logistics, and e-commerce, while employing thousands of Jordanians.

Notably, a Chinese firm is now the largest shareholder in the Arab Potash Company, driving record production and sales.

Guo voiced Beijing’s commitment to encouraging further business in Jordan, pointing to emerging opportunities in green development, the digital economy, and advanced manufacturing.

Beyond economic ties, cultural and educational exchanges continue to grow. Over 600 Jordanian students are currently learning Chinese across seven institutions, while around 500 Chinese students study in Jordan.

Chinese culture is also gaining strong traction across Jordan, with tea, culinary, and poetry events reaching local schools and communities. Initiatives like Spring Festival celebrations, youth concerts, and language competitions continue to draw widespread interest alongside annual performances by Chinese artistic troupes at the Jerash Festival.

On global and regional issues, Guo noted that Amman and Beijing maintain shared stances on key priorities, particularly the Palestinian cause and broader Middle East stability, as both nations work together to promote regional peace.

Looking ahead, China plans to expand development opportunities and deepen cooperation with Jordan across trade, investment, energy, minerals, media, and human resources, Guo said. He added that both nations will also explore emerging fields, including green development, the digital economy, and advanced manufacturing.

//Petra// HA