China-Arab ties enter into a “new era”

Published: December 10,2022

Ma Ke

Journalist, China Media Group

On December 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in the the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 21-gun salute heralded. The Saudi Hawks aircrafts painted the sky in red and yellow, colors of China’s national flag.

Xi is in Saudi Arabia for a state visit, as well as the first ever China-Arab States Summit and the China-GCC Summit, the highest-level talks between the PRC and Arab States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia co-sign in person the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Riyadh’s al-Yamamah Palace in Saudi Arabia, December 8, 2022. /Xinhua

Xi has met extensively with Arab leaders. Topics covered include global governance, development, security and dialogue among civilizations.

Although geographically apart, China and Arab states have maintained a friendship based on the shared experience in fighting imperialism and colonialism. China has firmly supported the Arab countries in exploring their own paths without external interference after riots and violence disturbed, even halted, the development of many Arab states. On issues concerning China’s core interests, the Arab world has given China strong backing. In August, when the U.S. House speaker visited the Taiwan island, all 22 Arab countries and the Arab League reaffirmed the one-China principle. 

The two sides have enhanced cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. 21 Arab states have signed MOUs under the BRI. During his meeting with the Saudi crown prince and prime minister, Xi reiterated that the two sides should pace up the synchronization of BRI and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Nearly half of China’s oil and gas imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while Bab-al-Mandab is an important channel for China’s exports to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe and oil imports from Algeria, Libya, and Sudan. China has been actively involved in projects in the Arab world. Among them are the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, the China-Oman Industrial Park, and the China-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Park, and FIFA World Cup Qatar stadiums. 

Xi’s trip is believed to usher in a new era for the relations between China and the Arab world, which will continue to be enriched based on the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and to bring aboutconcrete benefits to the people of both sides.