Summary
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee,
met with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Beijing on the morning of 21 August 2026. The two sides expressed a shared commitment to deepening political trust and expanding cooperation in trade and investment to advance the China-Jordan strategic partnership. Losang Jamcan was present at the meeting.
Commentary
The deepening economic and trade ties between China and Jordan signal an upgrade of the Middle East trade corridor. Jordan, a regional anchor of stability, offers Chinese goods a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa through its Aqaba port and a network of free-trade agreements with Gulf states, the United States and Europe. For New Zealand SMEs, China's infrastructure and logistics investment in Jordan could enhance regional connectivity and reduce trans-shipment costs for New Zealand dairy and agricultural products entering markets such as Iraq and Syria.
However, as Chinese goods gain deeper access to the region via Jordan, New Zealand's premium food exports may need to strengthen their position through halal certification and brand differentiation. Given Jordan's limited economic size and dependence on foreign aid, SMEs should assess risk exposure from a logistics-hub perspective.
Keywords: Zhao Leji, King Abdullah II, Jordan, China-Jordan relations, Beijing, NPC Standing Committee, strategic partnership, cooperation
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand
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