Spotlight: China-Arab ties on the rise politically, economically

"The Arab-Chinese relations are strong and deep-rooted as they are based on a solid ground of mutual interests as well as friendship between the Arab and the Chinese peoples," Ambassador Khaled al-Habbash, Arab League Secretary-General's adviser and head of Asia and Australia Department at the pan-Arab panel, told Xinhua.

It is obvious that the Chinese-Arab ties are not only stable but are on the rise politically and economically as both sides are keen on enhancing their mutual cooperation in various fields based on mutual respect and common interests.

A TRUSTED FRIEND

The Arab world always appreciates that China is one of the countries that support the Arab rights and causes, especially the Palestinian cause. In addition, China is keen on not interfering in other countries' domestic affairs as one of the principles of Beijing's foreign policy.

Therefore, it was natural for the Arab League to enhance ties with the Asian power and establish a forum for cooperation between the two sides in various fields.

"In 2004, the Arab League and China established the China-Arab forum that has become one of the most active forums of the Arab League with other foreign blocs," Habbash told Xinhua, adding that the forum was held several times at a ministerial level.

Unlike Western powers whose regional presence is based on hegemony and personal interests, Arab officials and experts believe that China successfully showed the Arabs that their bilateral relations represent a "win-win situation" and are not based on unilateral political interests in the region.

"China is not involved in any Arab crises; on the contrary, China's positions are straightforward and supportive of Arab rights including the Palestinian cause," Nourhan al-Sheikh, professor of political sciences at Cairo University, told Xinhua.

"Accordingly, the Arab-Chinese ties are stable and far from any tensions, disagreements or contradictions in political positions," she added.

Still, some Arabs see that China could play a greater role in the issues of the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

With regards to the Syrian crisis, China always calls for a peaceful solution for the issue through dialogue, maintaining its policy of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs.

Supporting peace and stability is one of Beijing's major foreign policy principles, which appeals to most Arab states.

GROWING ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

As one of the biggest economies worldwide, China has growing economic partnership with the Arab world and the Asian country has contributed to a lot of development projects in the Arab region, Africa and the Middle East in general.

"The Arab states are the biggest economic partners of China with a volume of trade that exceeds 250 billion dollars every year, a figure that shows the significance of the economic dimension of the Arab-Chinese ties," said the Arab League chief's adviser.

In addition, the League's China-Arab forum created some 15 mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the Arab world and China in different fields, including education, investment, development, the media and many others.

"Although the Chinese-Arab economic relations are important and fast-growing, like all Chinese economic partners, the balance of trade with Arabs is in favor of China," professor Sheikh said, arguing that "this is normal because China is the world's second largest economy with the biggest commercial movement in the entire globe."

She added that China's growing economic ties with the Arab world is "beneficial for both sides."

China's "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, which aims to revive the ancient Silk Road to reconnect China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe, is also expected to boost the economic and commercial ties between the Asian republic and the Arab states.

MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL DEVELOPMENT

Arabs perceive China as a power with good intention, given the Chinese efforts and contributions to the development of the Arab world, Africa and the Middle East.

As part of China's contribution to the development African states, President Xi has recently vowed to provide 60 billion U.S. dollars for the development of Africa through a three-year plan that would undoubtedly highlight Beijing's role in the continent.

"The Chinese policy in the region is based on the principle of 'let's develop together.' China sees that it cannot achieve comprehensive development without the development of its partners, unlike the West," the political science professor continued, "The Western policy is based on development at the expense of other states not development with other states."

She noted that the Chinese vision is based on the support of its partners, whether African or Arab states, "a policy that is appreciated by both of them."

During his remarks at the recent Climate Change summit held in Paris, Xi stressed that developed countries should provide more support for developing countries and that dealing with climate change issues should not hinder economic development and poverty reduction of the latter.

"A one-size-fits-all approach must be avoided. Addressing climate change should not deny the legitimate needs of developing countries to reduce poverty and improve their people's living standards. Special needs of the developing countries must be well attended to," Xi said in Paris in late November.

HISTORICAL TIES

"China and the Arab world have deep-rooted civilizations that both well contributed to the progress and prosperity of humankind throughout different ages," the Arab League diplomat said, "We can say that the relations between China and the Arabs are going on with a constant pace and regular steps."

The historical ties between China and the Arab world date back to more than 2,000 years, when the unique ancient Silk Road connected trade between them and led to cultural interaction between the Arab and Chinese peoples.

Even Prophet Mohamed of Islam mentioned China in one of his sayings when he told his followers, "Seek knowledge even if it is in China." This indicates how far the Arabs looked at the distance between them and China.

In modern history, most Arab and African states supported the independence of China. Egypt was the first Arab and African state to recognize China and establish diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1956. Endit