German media: China has become a new partner in the Arab world

Source: Global Times

Deschesin News Agency's January 19 article, original title: Far from the West? Many of Syria's cities, which have seen China position itself as a new partner in the Arab world, have been completely destroyed after more than a decade of civil war, devastating their economies and living in abject poverty. In many areas, the Assad government lacks funding — for example, to repair destroyed infrastructure. Until radical political change takes place in the country, the West refuses to help rebuild it.

Now, Syria has found a source of funding that does not require cumbersome reform requirements — China. The war-torn country wants to expand cooperation with East Asian economic powers and has joined China's Belt and Road Initiative. A week ago, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation.

In the Belt and Road Initiative, China supports infrastructure connectivity among countries around the world, with a focus on Arab countries. In recent years, the Chinese government has signed relevant agreements with almost all Arab countries. According to the German Adenauer Foundation, China plans to invest as much as $600 billion in Arab countries by 2023. China is already the most important trading partner of many Arab countries.

On the other hand, China has one of the most important goals in the Arab states: to meet its growing energy needs. For example, the world's second-largest economy is desperately dependent on oil imports from the Gulf states. Unlike the West, China avoids getting involved in conflicts in the region. Jhanan Attilgen, head of the Middle East and North Africa at the Adenauer Foundation, said: "China has a very clear strategy: not to interfere in its internal affairs. ”

That's why the economic powerhouse doesn't link its aid to conditions like "democratic reforms." "In many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, This development strategy in China is very welcome and can replace the values-based European model." Attilgen said.

In return for China's non-interference in its internal affairs, Arab countries are reluctant to criticize China's internal affairs. Polls show that many in the Arab world are open to relations with China. On the other hand, they are now skeptical about their relationship with the United States.

In Egypt alone, China has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and Suez Canal projects. President Sisi has visited China six times since 2014 and signed at least 25 bilateral agreements.

The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), a London-based think tank, argues that the Arab world has faded from the focus of European attention, with Europe using the region only as a buffer zone or border. Arab countries want to be seen as a region of potential and opportunity, and China has recognized this. (Translated by Aoki)