Commentary: China not outsider in Middle East

China's first Arab Policy Paper, issued at a time when the Middle East is stuck in a quagmire of war and terrorism, has effectively refuted Western critics that the country is an outsider in the region.

The paper sets down the guiding principles of developing China-Arab relations, offers a blueprint for China-Arab cooperation, and reiterates China's commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

The document, which follows China's policy papers on Africa and Latin America, demonstrates the strategic importance China attaches to the Middle East and its willingness to play a constructive role in Mideast affairs.

There has long been criticisms from the West that China is an outsider or a "free rider" in Middle East issues. Those critics may have forgotten that in a globalized era when Middle East issues such as the Islamic State and the refugee crisis spill over to other parts of the world, China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has no reason to put aside the strategic significance of the Middle East.

China and five other major powers negotiated a settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, for one thing.

In the recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Beijing has repeatedly called for calm and restraint and sent a vice foreign minister as special envoy to mediate.

In the policy paper, China pledges to support Arab states in the fight against terrorism through a long-term security cooperation mechanism, strengthened policy dialogues and intelligence information exchanges, technical cooperation and personnel training.

Moreover, some Western critics say China's economic and trade ties with the Middle East care about oil only.

In fact, China, the world's second-largest economy, is ready to explore the potential of pragmatic cooperation with Arab countries in a wide range of areas.

Wednesday's policy paper highlights as cooperation areas investment, trade, energy, space, nuclear power, production capacity and infrastructure construction.

China's comprehensive cooperation with the region shows its sincere willingness to help these countries foster economic growth and social development.

Therefore, it is fair to say that Western criticisms of China's Middle East policy is unfair. Endi