China-UAE hi-tech cooperation can expect close US scrutiny, pressure: experts

Sheikh Mohamed’s state visit to Beijing flags closer ties in IT, AI, the digital economy and new energy – all sectors that are sensitive to Washington

Analysts warn that while the UAE’s growing closeness with China will continue, the deeper connections are not irreversible

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The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (left) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 6:00pm, 3 Jun 2024Updated: 8:08pm, 3 Jun 2024

Abu Dhabi’s ambition to catch the artificial intelligence wave and upgrade its hi-tech industries will ensure its cooperation with Beijing will continue, despite Washington’s growing pressure, analysts say.

But the deeper connections – underlined last week with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s state visit to Beijing – were “not irreversible” and could face more scrutiny from the US, they warned.

The observers said Abu Dhabi – a Washington ally – should maximise its neutral position and characterise itself as “a bridge” between the US and China amid the tensions between the two powers.

In their meeting on Thursday, Sheikh Mohamed and Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed closer cooperation, including in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, a sensitive area for Washington.

According to the official Chinese foreign ministry readout, Xi mentioned “information technology, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and new energy” as fields for China-UAE cooperation.

“China supports the UAE’s independent development path, supports the country in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and is willing to consolidate political mutual trust and strengthen cooperation,” Xi said.

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