Kuwait welcomed a Chinese delegation this week for “in-depth technical and field discussions” over the construction of the major Mubarak Al-Kabeer trading port and other projects, as confirmed by Kuwait’s state news agency.

After almost 10 years of a pause on construction, when it was around 50% complete, the revival of the project is motivated partially by neighboring Iraq’s plan for a $17 billion road and rail network to boost regional trade.

Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are cooperating on the plan, with Kuwait being sidelined.

Kristin Smith Diwan, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington said, “That is already happening,” adding, "It has become clear that if Kuwait doesn’t move forward it will be left behind."

Kuwait is one of the world’s richest countries due to its oil reserves, but the constant dissolution of its parliament has impeded development and has been underscored most recently by the ruling emir suspending parliament.

The Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, is anticipated to be planning a suspension to allow projects stalled by disputes between lawmakers and ministers to go through. 

The 2035 strategic vision with China

The Mubarak Al-Kabeer port serves as a direct competition to Iraq’s nearby Faw Port as the country withdrew a maritime agreement that would have given Kuwait access through the Khor Abdullah waterway.

Diwan said, "Kuwait is centering its strategic planning on the northern port and city project, which will encourage trade-led development and — it hopes — cement its leadership in the northern Gulf," noting, “That will be impossible” if the maritime problem with Iraq remains unresolved.

Kuwait holds the distinction of being the first Gulf state to establish full-scale diplomatic relations with China in 1971.

Moreover, the country ranks as the seventh-largest exporter of crude oil to China. There are over 60 Chinese companies actively involved in Kuwait, participating in 80 major projects. As of 2022, trade volume between the two nations surged to a historic $31.48 billion.

The strategic Kuwait-China relationship has evolved over the years, especially since 2018, aligning with the development goals of both countries. Kuwait was also the first Arab country to sign a memorandum of understanding with China for participation in Beijing's foreign flagship project, the Belt and Road Initiative BRI.

Furthermore, the New Kuwait 2035 strategic vision has expedited the country's efforts to deepen ties with the Asian giant, with a primary focus on transforming the Kuwaiti economy into a diversified and sustainable one away from solely relying on oil revenue, aligning with China's economic strategy.