China and Arab nations are strengthening their partnership through cutting-edge science and technology innovations, setting the stage for unprecedented cooperation in the coming years.
Over 200 major projects have already been undertaken jointly, positively impacting nearly 2 billion people across the regions. This week, landmark cooperation deals were signed, promising further collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, and the digital economy.
On Thursday, China proposed the “five cooperation frameworks” aimed at building a China-Arab community with a shared future. The initiatives include establishing a joint space debris observation center, a BeiDou application and cooperation development center, and enhancing cooperation in manned space missions and passenger aircraft manufacturing.
China also seeks to expand collaboration on AI to empower the real economy and promote a global governance system on AI. To bolster economic and trade ties, China plans to accelerate negotiations on bilateral and regional free trade agreements and advance dialogue mechanisms for e-commerce cooperation.
Hi-Tech Collaboration
The 2019 China-Arab States Expo showcased cutting-edge technologies such as AI, 5G, virtual reality, and space navigation. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), an online academic library, has developed a big data platform to facilitate Belt and Road tech cooperation and innovation. According to Zhou Yong, general manager of CNKI Knowledge Management Technology Company, the platform serves institutions, enterprises, and governmental organizations from 23 countries, focusing on sectors like AI, smart transportation, and the Internet of Things.
A shining example of China-Arab cooperation is the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the main venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Constructed by the China Railway Construction Corporation, the stadium symbolizes the fusion of Chinese technological prowess and Arab culture. Shaped like a traditional enamel lantern, the stadium hosted the World Cup final and is featured on Qatar’s new 10-riyal banknote.
“The Lusail Stadium is the world’s largest, most advanced, and most complex professional football stadium built to FIFA standards,” said Li Chongyang, head of the Chinese engineering team. Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, praised the project, stating that it demonstrates Chinese enterprises’ technical capabilities and service levels.
Reference(s):
Sci-tech innovations set to further boost China-Arab cooperation
cgtn.com
