China and Qatar deepen energy and diplomatic ties amid Iran war

September 8, 2026 at 11:44 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani completed a two-day visit to China, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in energy, investment and advanced technologies. Beijing pledged to increase coordination with Doha to help de-escalate regional tensions amid the ongoing war on Iran. The disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has raised the stakes for both sides, as Qatar is a top LNG exporter and China is the world's largest crude oil importer.

Key Facts

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani completed a two-day visit to China, with officials describing the relationship as entering a new 'golden decade'.
China is Qatar's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth $23.8 billion last year.
Qatar is China's second-largest source of LNG, supplying 19.4 million tonnes in 2025.
QatarEnergy has signed 27-year LNG supply agreements with Chinese state-owned energy giants CNPC and Sinopec.
Around one-fifth of global oil and LNG normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Diplomatic Engagement

Beijing pledged to increase communication and coordination with Doha to help restore regional peace and stability. Qatar has told China it would prioritise its energy supply despite the difficulties. Ibrahim bin Sultan al-Hashmi, director of the Department of Media and Communications at Qatar's Foreign Ministry, said Qatar is working hard with its partners, including China, and that diplomatic efforts are being exerted and new ideas are being discussed. China has repeatedly voiced support for Qatar's mediation efforts but has largely refrained from direct criticism of Tehran's attacks or its disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy and Trade

Energy is the backbone of the relationship, with China as Qatar's largest trading partner and bilateral trade worth $23.8 billion last year. Qatar is China's second-largest source of LNG, supplying 19.4 million tonnes in 2025. QatarEnergy has signed 27-year LNG supply agreements with CNPC and Sinopec, which have also taken stakes in Qatar's North Field gas expansion. Around one-fifth of global oil and LNG normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, giving both countries a significant interest in restoring stability to the strait.