Qatar’s PM vows to prioritise China’s energy supply amid Middle East tensions

Qatar on Tuesday vowed to prioritise China’s energy supply and safeguard shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, as both countries coordinated efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions.During a meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stressed the importance of unimpeded maritime traffic through the waterway.Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Doha’s “support for all diplomatic efforts and endeavours aimed at a solution that ensures freedom of maritime navigation and paves the way for reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region”, the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement.They also examined key regional developments and the diplomatic efforts under way to de-escalate tensions and promote security and stability there, as well as reviewed strategic bilateral relations and how to expand cooperation, the statement said.Why the vital Red Sea shipping lane may be the new frontline in the US-Iran warAccording to a separate read-out by China’s foreign ministry, Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar “would overcome difficulties, prioritise China’s energy supply and work hand in hand with China to create a more brilliant next ‘golden decade’ for bilateral relations”, noting Beijing was Doha’s largest trading and energy partner.