Striving for a more closely knit China-Arab community with a shared future

A billboard for the 34th Arab League Summit is seen on a street in Baghdad, Iraq, May 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

As the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, China and Arab states have chosen to view their relationships from a strategic and long-term perspective. Their cooperation serves as a model of South-South solidarity, rooted in mutual respect, shared interests and a common vision for development.

by Xinhua writer Li Jun

BAGHDAD, May 18 (Xinhua) -- As the Arab League convenes here for its 34th summit, China reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties with Arab states, highlighting a strategic partnership rooted in mutual respect and sustainable development -- an enduring model of South-South cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

In a congratulatory message to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, the rotating chair of the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that Arab countries' adherence to independence and autonomy, promotion of development and rejuvenation, and safeguarding of fairness and justice, have played an active role in advancing the influence of the Global South.

He expressed China's willingness to work with Arab states to deepen mutual political trust, push mutually beneficial cooperation, increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, join hands on the path towards their each own modernization and build a higher-level China-Arab community with a share future.

As the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, China and Arab states have chosen to view their relationships from a strategic and long-term perspective. Their cooperation serves as a model of South-South solidarity, rooted in mutual respect, shared interests and a common vision for development.

In recent years, China-Arab relations have seen unprecedented growth, with deepened political trust, stronger trade and investment ties, and more vibrant people-to-people exchanges. Since the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh in 2022, both sides have embraced the vision of building a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era. Looking ahead, the second China-Arab Summit, scheduled to take place in China in 2026, is expected to be another milestone that further advances bilateral cooperation.

In the economic field, energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of China-Arab relations, underpinned by long-term stability and mutual benefit. Chinese enterprises have also played a vital role in supporting infrastructure development across the Arab world, contributing to regional transformation and modernization. At the same time, cooperation is expanding into high-tech sectors such as 5G, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, opening up new frontiers for sustainable growth.

Guests learn about new energy facilities at the sixth China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Cultural and educational exchanges continue to flourish. Learning the Chinese language is becoming increasingly popular in the Arab world, and traditional Chinese medicine is gaining traction. Joint programs in youth exchanges, education and tourism have further strengthened the bonds between the peoples of China and the Arab world, bringing tangible benefits and a greater sense of achievement.

What lies at the heart of this growing partnership is a convergence of values and philosophies. Peace, truth, integrity and inclusiveness are the common pursuits of the Chinese and Arab peoples. In an increasingly polarized world, their emphasis on dialogue over confrontation and their focus on cooperation over division resonates strongly. Arab countries have actively supported China-proposed initiatives, while the two sides have coordinated closely on key global challenges such as climate change, food security and public health.

On the Palestinian issue, which remains a longstanding concern for the Arab world, China has consistently advocated for the implementation of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On regional hotspot issues, China has upheld an objective and balanced position, calling for dialogue and political solutions while opposing external interference and power politics in the Middle East. These principled stances have earned China respect among Arab nations and laid a solid foundation for further cooperation.

Looking ahead, as Xi noted, China will remain a trustworthy friend and partner of Arab countries, standing firmly on the side of the just cause of Arab states. These words reaffirm the enduring friendship that has stood the test of time. From supporting each other through security challenges and development goals to jointly promoting global equity and mutual understanding, China and Arab states have built a resilient partnership that contributes to regional peace and global progress.

Now standing at a new historical starting point, China and Arab countries are better positioned than ever to work together to build a higher-level community with a shared future. In doing so, they will inject new momentum into their respective modernization journeys, contribute to stability in the Middle East, and bring fresh wisdom and strength to the broader pursuit of world peace and development.

As the world grapples with uncertainty, the China-Arab partnership stands as a beacon of cooperation, fairness and shared progress, as well as a testimony to the power of solidarity and common purpose in building a better future for all.  ■