The cooperation between China and Arab countries has always been a model in foreign relations. This model relationship is entering a new historical starting point with the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony along with four Arab heads of state, reflecting the common wish of China and Arab states to unite and cooperate. The forum, established 20 years ago, has played a significant role in fostering cooperation between China and Arab countries. China has remained the largest trading partner of Arab countries for many years, and under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the two sides have implemented over 200 cooperation projects. The forum has established 19 important mechanisms, including ministerial conferences and strategic political dialogues, and has issued 85 important outcome documents.
While China-Arab bilateral trade has maintained a historical high level of around $300 billion, a new wave of cooperation focusing on key areas such as technological innovation, industrial transformation, green and low-carbon development, and infrastructure is emerging. China-Arab cooperation has shifted from being primarily focused on economic and trade to a balanced approach encompassing economy, security, and culture. As old friends along the ancient Silk Road, China and Arab countries are now good brothers and partners who uphold mutual assistance, equality, mutual benefit, and inclusive mutual learning.
The 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will serve as a review of the achievements of China-Arab cooperation over the past 20 years and a look forward to the next 20 years. The meeting plans to further consolidate consensus between China and Arab states through a series of outcome documents, plan cooperation for the next stage, and issue a joint statement on the Palestine issue. China develops friendly relations with countries of all sizes in the world based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. China-Arab cooperation is simply cooperation between China and Arab countries, driven by inherent logic and mutual needs for both sides to come together and get closer. As members of the “Global South,” the relationship between China and Arab countries has developed so well that it is worth discussing if there are any insights for the international community.
As good brothers and partners, China and Arab countries stand together through both good and hard times in the struggle to uphold national dignity and defend national sovereignty. They work together to develop in the tide of globalization and the new technological revolution, and support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns. Last year, under China’s mediation, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reached a historic reconciliation. In April of this year, China facilitated consultations between the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Beijing. Arab countries view the cooperation between China and the Arab world with a focus on the present, but also look beyond the present. China supports Arab countries in independently seeking development paths suitable for their own national conditions. This further convinces them that “China’s development is a growth of peace and progress, and China is a trustworthy friend and partner for Arab countries.”
With the opportunity of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, China and Arab countries will continue to aim to build a community of shared future, uphold the spirit of China-Arab friendship, and create a model of collective cooperation among developing countries for unity and independence.
