China links hands with Jordan

Press, 26 April 1984, Page 20

China links hands with Jordan

From

HARISH CHANDOLA,

in Damascus

Five Chinese service corporations, employing several thousand Chinese workers, are now working in Jordan. They are mainly in building projects, including the prestigious Abu Nuseir residential area and Jordan’s large Ma’an glass factory. This reflects Jordan’s position as China’s main partner in the Middle East, a status exemplified by President Li Xiannian’s State visit there last month, his first visit abroad. King Hussein has been twice to China. The Chinese obviously see Jordan as their base for breaking into the whole Middle East market. China has signed 16 trade contracts with Jordan. They cover tin, food, clothing, pottery, porcelain, and steel imported by Jordan from China. In return China receives from Jordan phosphate, ptfcpsh, and phosphate-based fertilisers. The value of the trade jumped last

year to $69.5 million compared with $49.5 million in 1981. The Chinese are now proposing to set up a showroom in Amman, the Jordanian capital, to display goods which they are offering to the Middle East.

Hitherto, China’s contacts with the Middle East have been tenuous, especially compared with those of the United States and the Soviet Union. In particular, the Chinese had no access to the oilrich Gulf States, and they obviously hope that Jordan will provide a springboard for this. There are also wider diplomatic considerations. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, during President Li’s visit, referred to China and Jordan “closing ranks” against “world hegemony.” This is the Chinese euphemism for Soviet influence, which is strong in Jordan’s neighbour, Syria.—Copyright—London Observer Service.