As Kuwait modernizes military, will China rival US as key defense partner?
Kuwait and China are finalizing a joint ammunition factory as the Gulf state maintains its longstanding US security alliance.
Kuwait is on the cusp of a landmark shift in its defense landscape as it nears completion of its first-ever joint ammunition factory with China — an emblematic project that signals Beijing’s expanding strategic footprint in the Gulf.
This defense industry milestone, described by Kuwait’s deputy defense minister, Sheikh Abdullah Meshal Al Sabah, as a key step in bilateral ties, comes amid unconfirmed reports that China has offered to meet most of Kuwait’s defense needs without preconditions, sparking debates about China’s future security role in a region long dominated by US influence.
Sabah highlighted the factory’s significance during a July 28 reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Emphasizing Kuwait’s commitment to fostering “robust defense partnerships with countries across both the East and West,” he conveyed a balanced approach.
In response, Chinese defense attache Liu Zongzhen noted steady progress in military ties and pledged to take the relationship to “new heights.” Though details about the factory remain limited, it was first announced last year and is designed to produce light to medium ammunition.
