WANA in 2012 and China’s Relations with Arab Countries

China’s constructive efforts have had positive effects. As the situation develops, the international community has increasingly tended towards a consensus. Syria is not Libya – its national situation, status and influence in the region are quite different. The international community will not allow any duplication of the “Libya mode.” The ultimate resolution in this instance should be based on interactions and discussions among various parties in Syria. An impartial examination and understanding of China’s position make clear that it is truly safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, the peace and stability of the Middle East, and defending the UN Charter and standard of international relations.

Respect and Support for People’s Choice

The WANA region is experiencing changes no less dramatic than those resulting from World War II. Monitoring these changes while maintaining traditional friendships with the Arab world are main strands of China’s diplomacy in the new era.

China cherishes its friendship with Arabic peoples and respects their wishes and choices. The starting point of China’s policy is that of safeguarding peace and stability and the long-term fundamental interests of the people, and maintaining friendship between Chinese and Arabic peoples. China expounded its views and stance at the early stages of change in the region. They can be summarized as follows. First, China respects the demands of people for change and development, and supports their independent explorations in this respect. Second, China calls on WANA countries and the international community to resolve differences through inclusive, peaceful political dialogues, and firmly opposes the use of force and violence. Third, China holds that the international community should comply with the UN Charter and respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of countries in the region. It resolutely opposes external military interventions. China has repeatedly stated that it is neither sheltering nor opposing anyone, but safeguarding the independence and national dignity of developing countries, including China and the Arab states. Fourth, China advocates comprehensive management by the international community of regional transitions, and reinforced political and diplomatic efforts to facilitate the peace process in the Middle East. With respect to dealing with Syria, Iran and other hotspot issues, China proposes strengthened support of economic and social development in relevant countries that will help them to accomplish a smooth transition.

Two major events in 2012 demonstrate China’s putting into practice of the above policies. One is the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Tunisia at the end of May. The conference re-affirmed the strategic partnership between China and Arab states and the blueprint for future bilateral relations. The second is Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s successful visit to China in late August. Since the popular revolution and regime transition in this large country that represents a point of balance in the Arab world, the new president, who has a Muslim Brotherhood background, has entered the global spotlight. Morsi visited China just two months after his inauguration, clearly placing the cultivation of a relationship with China at the top of Egypt’s agenda. Leaders of both countries reached a consensus on developing a bilateral strategic partnership, and on regional as well as international issues. The meeting made clear that China, along with all Arab countries, will make efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

Development of China-Arab Relations

Located at the juncture of Asia, Europe and Africa, the Middle East has been a strategic territory in history and is still a decisive element of big countries’ international strategy. China’s policy on this region has been a key and representative aspect of its overall diplomacy. A main participant in, constructor of and contributor to the international system, China adheres to the policy of peace and negotiation, and has played a constructive role in resolving issues and easing situations through political settlement. China is committed to tackling challenges and, together with other countries, promoting common development. China advocates equality and democracy in international relations and seeks cooperation and win-win in the development process. It advocates just and efficient global governance, promotes common progress in diverse cultures, and pursues universal, interdependent security.

Development of the multi-polar world, economic globalization and cultural diversity, scientific and technological breakthroughs, as well as the expanding influence of the information revolution, have generated growing exchanges among different civilizations and greater interconnectedness and interdependence in the international community. Ours is a flat world wherein the rise of any country cannot be excluded from the world pattern. That all countries help one another, develop peacefully and cooperate towards a win-win situation has become a universal aspiration and a common pursuit of the international community. Under the framework of China-Arabic cooperation, dialogues between Chinese and Arabic civilizations are progressing through deepening cooperation in all fields. China has played and continues to play a crucial role in these historic changes. In future, China’s international obligations, as well as its rights and interests, will extend continuously; it will play a greater role in promoting human civilization and building a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. China and Arab countries, both having long histories and ancient civilizations, will make concerted efforts to develop a new strategic cooperative relationship.