- Diplomatic relations between the UAE and China were established in November 1984. The Chinese Embassy in Abu Dhabi was opened in April 1985, followed by the establishment of the General Consulate in Dubai in November 1988.
- The UAE Embassy opened in Beijing on March 19, 1987. Additionally, three UAE general consulates were established in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, in April 2000, July 2009, and June 2016, respectively.
- The historic visit of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God rest his soul) to China on May 6, 1990, is considered as one of the most significant visits by a UAE officials to China, resulting in the signing of many agreements.
- Numerous official visits have been exchanged between the two countries at various levels, including presidents, heads of government, ministers, governors, and parliaments leaders. The most prominent high official visit was in 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces to China, during which the two sides celebrated the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations.
- In the same year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai also visited China to attend the Belt & Road Forum.
- On the Chinese side, the visit of former Premier Wen Jiabao to the UAE in January 2012 was significant, resulting in the declaration of a strategic partnership between the two countries. The most recent notable visit was by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE in 2018, during which the comprehensive strategic partnership was signed, marking the highest level of diplomatic relations.
- The UAE’s policy is based on the principles of peace, tolerance, openness, and dialogue with other cultures and building bridges of communication and cooperation with the international community to enhance security, stability, and sustainable economic development worldwide.
- The UAE-China relationship exemplifies strong bilateral ties based on mutual respect and trust. China supports the UAE’s policies and measures to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while the UAE supports the One-China policy.
Both countries adhere to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, resolving contentious issues through peaceful means.
