King Abdullah II visits China to expand economic and technological ties

King Abdullah II of Jordan is conducting a state visit to China, marking his ninth visit to the country since ascending the throne. The visit, which includes stops in Shanghai, aims to deepen economic cooperation and diversify Jordan's trade partnerships beyond the United States and Europe.

During the visit, the King explored technological advancements, including digital tourism at Trip.com Group and embodied artificial intelligence at Agibot's headquarters. Jordan seeks to leverage Chinese expertise in smart tourism, digital services, and AI to enhance its own sectors. The King also expressed interest in improving air connectivity to facilitate greater tourism exchange between the two nations.

Economic data highlights a significant trade imbalance; in 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately $6.7 billion, with Chinese exports to Jordan totaling $6.29 billion compared to $430 million in Jordanian exports. Jordan's primary exports to China include phosphates, potash, fertilizers, and chemicals, while imports from China consist largely of machinery, electrical equipment, and vehicles.