Femy Francis

On 30 May, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted leaders of Arab countries that included the following: the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of Egypt Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, President of Tunisia Kais Saied and the President of United Arab Emirate Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The 10^th ministerial summit adopted the “Beijing Declaration,” where both sides agreed to have a common position on resolving conflict and regional crises, addressing counter-terrorism efforts, human rights issues/violations and dealing with Artificial Intelligence. The “Actional Implementation Plan” laid out a framework for boosting China-Arab ties in various sectors: economy, politics, aviation and infrastructure.

The official collaboration between China-Arab states goes back 20 years with the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF), while they have engaged in 60 years of diplomatic relationship. China’s Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li noted remarkable progress in their relationship over the years and informed the meeting that they aim to build: “consensus between China and Arab countries,” and that they would: “issue a common voice between China and Arab countries on the Palestinian issue.”

The summit ended with the signing of agreements, reaffirming its support for a peaceful cease-fire in Gaza and Xi Jinping instating the “Five Cooperation Framework” for Sino-Arab relations, starting a new chapter for a stronger strategic relationship in the Middle East.

What is the “Five Cooperation Framework” expounded by Xi?
Xi Jinping his speech clarified that the new “Five Cooperation Framework,” is a successor to the “eight major cooperation initiatives,” that were proposed in the first China-Arab Summit of 2022. The new proposal is to “step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future,” says Xi.

The following gives a brief on the 2024 framework.

1. A dynamic framework for innovation, the cooperation between the two countries would be based on innovative development, where China and Arab countries would set up joint laboratories on sectors of health, AI and green/ low carbon initiatives. On AI they would focus on promoting AI based global governance system. Additionally, they would also work together on outer space programs by building joint space debris observation centres and cooperating on space missions and aircraft building.

2. A framework for investment and finance cooperation, where they plan to set up an investment cooperation forum and increase the China-Arab interbank association. This would also include expedited special loans for industrialization initiatives in the Middle East. Xi also invited Arab states to apply for panda bond in China.

3. Multifaceted initiative for energy cooperation, Xi proposes enhanced strategic cooperation with the Arab countries on oil and gas energy supply. China also proposed to work with Arab countries on R&D energy technology and equipment production. Xi also informed that Beijing will support Chinese energy companies to participate in Arab renewable energy projects with an installed capacity of 3 million kilowatts.

4. Balanced economic and trade ties, China will push for the development of economic and trade projects worth RMB 3 billion. Xi also plans to accelerate negotiations for a regional free trade agreement. And he also welcomes Arab country's participation in China International Import Expo.

5. Encourage people-to-people exchange, China wants to establish the China-Arab Centre of Global Civilization Initiative and even expand the influence of the China-Arab Research Centre on Reform and Development. Xi also proposes the development of a think tank alliance, university connect and youth development forum. Additionally, China plans to invite 200 Arab politicians to China every year.

What is the background to the China-Arab States Cooperation?
While the cooperation between the CASCF countries dates back 20 years the first China-Arab State Summit was held in 2022 where both sides agreed to establish the China-Arab community for a shared future as they enter a new era of comprehensive development stated Xi Jinping. He also announced plans to host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, the first one happened in Riyad, 2022 where they adopted the Riyadh Declaration. The 2022 summit called for an all-out effort to build a China-Arab community. On the Palestine issue, even in 2022, China supported the “two-state solution,” and also pushed for it to become a full member of the United Nations.

China-Arab State Cooperation Forum (CASCF) 2004
The CASCF is a platform founded 20 years ago to initiate formal dialogue between China and the Arab League. The Forum was founded after the then-Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. At the onset of the forum, Hu Jintao proposed four guiding principles for their interactions based on: mutual respect, economic trade and exchanges, cultural exchanges and the promotion of peace and common development in the international arena.

The table below highlights the 20 years of China-Arab cooperation through Ten ministerial conferences.

China-Arab States Cooperation: What is the Big Picture?

The motivation behind 20 years of cooperation and the recent closeness has evolved exponentially. The incentives for this collaboration have been multifaceted in nature as both China and Arab states have a common consensus on most if not all issues. Below are some of the common motivations that brought this unlikely partnership to fruition.

1. Economic partnership and FTA, the most basic and prolonged interest that led to this cooperation is the economic gains. The Arab countries especially UAE for whom China has been the biggest trading partner while for China, UAE is the biggest trading partner but amongst the Arab countries. China for years has been pushing for the establishment of a Free-Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council and establish a free-flowing economic cooperation.
    
2. Alliance in the International arena, cooperation also means support in the international arena when dealing with contentious issues like the independence status of Taiwan, the imposition of controversial bills in Hong Kong and the Human Rights abuse in Xinjiang. The Arab states have been the most consistent in upholding the “One-China” principle. This stand is significant as an increasing number of countries are collaborating with Taiwan and with the US openly supporting Taiwan’s participation in the international arena, China needs all the support. The alliance doesn’t only benefit China but Arab states as well by being a common voice for peace in Gaza.
    
3. A common voice for a cease-fire in the Isarel-Palestine war, other than the Arab states and few others, China has been a vocal advocate for peace in Gaza and has offered itself as a mediator in the conflict. This support dates before the 07 October 2023 conflict initiation. China has time and again supported the establishment of the “two-state” and has called for Palestine’s representation in the United Nations.
    
4. Anti-US sentiments, other than China the Arab states have also anti-US sentiments, especially after their support for Israel in war with funds and ammunition. The disdain against the US stands mutual as China feels it has been internationally attacked by the West to curb its growth and development, with innumerable sanctions imposed against them every other day.
    
5. Resource politics and energy cooperation, the Arab states have some of the world’s richest oil reserves that have attracted investors from across the world. Beijing has stressed to build cooperation with the Arab states on energy cooperation and the success of the same would give them access to the richest reserves. As one of the world’s largest economies and demography China has been aiming to strengthen cooperation based on resource consolidation.

References
“China's largest Arab summit wraps with 'Beijing declaration': What we know,” Al-Monitor, 30 May 2024
“China-Arab community with a shared future provides a vivid annotation for peace, devt: Global Times editorial,” Global Times, 30 May 2024
“Full text: President Xi's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum,” Xinhua, 30 May 2024
“9th China-Arab ministerial meeting to be held,” The State Council Information Office PRC, 03 July 2020
“Wang Yi Talks about Outcomes of the 7th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum,” South China Sea Issue, 05 December 2016
“THE CHINA-ARAB STATES COOPERATION FORUM,” BRICS Policy Centre, 2017

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