Xi Jinping at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing. Present were leaders from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Friendly exchanges, affinity, and a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were highlighted by the president. This is further evidence of China’s activism in the region, filling the spaces left by the gradual disengagement of the United States.
By: Asia News
Published Date:
In Beijing – The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the bloody situation in Gaza, cannot continue “indefinitely” within a scenario where justice is “absent.” This makes it even more urgent to promote a peace conference with a broad base of participants.
President Xi Jinping emphasized this in his opening speech at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, addressing the tragedy unfolding in Gaza and its impact on the civilian population, the main victims of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UAE ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the event demonstrates China’s growing diplomatic and economic interest in the region.
In his address, President Xi Jinping recalled the “friendly exchanges” along the “ancient Silk Road” of the past, reflecting a “deep sense of affinity” with the Arab world. He expressed a desire for “increased cooperation” in financial and technological aspects.
Announcing a second China-Arab summit in 2026, Xi Jinping called for a comprehensive and representative peace conference on the Gaza conflict. He emphasized that the war cannot continue indefinitely, justice cannot be absent for long, and the two-state solution must not be arbitrarily discarded, advocating for the coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians that China has long supported.
The President reaffirmed China’s support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and called for a more authoritative and effective peace conference for Gaza. Xi Jinping envisioned Sino-Arab relations as a model for global peace and stability, emphasizing fairness, justice, and the pursuit of lasting peace.
In addressing the leaders of Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE, he assured continued Chinese support for addressing the humanitarian crisis and post-war reconstruction in Gaza.
Just over a year ago, China celebrated the so-called “Iran-Saudi peace” with a ministerial meeting in Riyadh aimed at enhancing collaboration, security, direct flights, and visas, with a joint statement emphasizing the goal of promoting security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The deepening collaboration between China and the Gulf’s major actors, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reflects a broader geopolitical shift with implications exceeding the Middle East region.
This includes ongoing negotiations between Beijing and Riyadh for Saudi Arabia to join the BRICS, the grouping of emerging world economies originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. This has expanded to nine members with Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran joining since January 1, 2024.
While no official decisions have been made, experts believe it’s only a matter of time and strategy, considering Saudi Arabia’s longstanding partnership with the US and G7. Saudi entry into the BRICS could further shake the current global order, which is already challenged by various conflict zones and tensions worldwide.
One of the key drivers for China’s increased investment in the Middle East is energy, crucial for supporting domestic industry and economic development while moving away from coal-dependent production to reduce environmental impact.
This context explains China’s involvement, as the sole competitor, in recent Iraqi tenders for oil and gas exploration in ten fields. Chinese companies secured concessions for 29 projects aimed at boosting domestic production.
