Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between China and Arab states during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. The event highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and mutual aspirations between the two regions, focusing on cooperation, peace, and shared development.
Five New Cooperation Frameworks
President Xi proposed five cooperation frameworks to advance the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future:
1. A More Dynamic Framework for Innovation
China plans to establish 10 joint laboratories with Arab states in areas such as life and health, artificial intelligence (AI), green and low-carbon development, modern agriculture, and space and information technology. Collaboration on AI aims to empower the real economy and promote global governance in AI. Additional initiatives include building a joint space debris observation center and enhancing cooperation in manned space missions and passenger aircraft development.
2. Expanded Framework for Investment and Finance Cooperation
China is ready to establish an industry and investment cooperation forum with Arab states and expand the China-Arab states interbank association. Efforts will be made to implement cooperation projects financed by special loans supporting industrialization and financial cooperation. China supports closer ties between financial institutions, welcomes Arab states to issue panda bonds, and invites Arab banks to join the Cross-border Interbank Payment System. There are also plans to deepen exchanges on central bank digital currency.
3. Multifaceted Framework for Energy Cooperation
China will enhance strategic cooperation with Arab states on oil and gas, integrating supply and market security. The country is ready to work with Arab states on new energy technology research and equipment production, supporting Chinese energy companies and financial institutions in participating in renewable energy projects with a total installed capacity exceeding 3 million kilowatts.
4. Balanced Framework for Mutually Beneficial Economic and Trade Ties
China will vigorously implement development cooperation projects worth 3 billion yuan, accelerate negotiations on bilateral and regional free trade agreements, and advance dialogue on e-commerce cooperation. China welcomes Arab participation in the China International Import Expo and plans to expand imports of non-energy products from Arab states, especially agricultural products.
5. Broader Framework for People-to-People Exchanges
China is ready to establish the China-Arab Center of Global Civilization Initiative, expand the influence of the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development, and accelerate the establishment of platforms such as a think tank alliance, youth development forum, university alliance, and research center on cultural and tourism cooperation. China will invite 200 leaders of Arab political parties to visit annually and aims to achieve 10 million two-way tourist visits in the next five years.
Commitment to Peace in the Middle East
Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, President Xi reiterated China’s firm support for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. China supports Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and calls for a more effective international peace conference. In addition to previous humanitarian assistance, China will provide an additional 500 million yuan to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support post-conflict reconstruction. A donation of $3 million will be made to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Looking Ahead
President Xi emphasized the importance of building a China-Arab community with a shared future, highlighting the historical friendship and the mutual desire for peace and development. He announced that China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, marking another milestone in China-Arab relations.
Concluding his speech, President Xi quoted an Arab saying, “Friends are the sunshine in life,” expressing China’s commitment to working with Arab friends to create a better future and make significant strides toward a community with a shared future.
Reference(s):
Full text: Xi's speech at China-Arab States Cooperation Forum opening
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