The China-Arab Center for Reform and Development Studies
The Arab-Chinese Civilizational Partnership Bridge

Prof. Hasan Abdullah Al-Dajah
Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

The China-Arab Center for Reform and Development Studies serves as an effective link between the Arab and Chinese nations at a time when relations between the two sides are witnessing a remarkable qualitative development, moving from the framework of traditional cooperation to a deeper knowledge-based and civilizational partnership. This transformation comes within the context of the strategic vision put forward by His Excellency President Xi Jinping of China, which aims to enhance communication between civilizations and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
The establishment of the China-Arab Center for Reform and Development Studies is one of the most prominent manifestations of this vision, as it constitutes a practical translation of a philosophy based on deepening mutual understanding, consolidating strategic trust, and building sustainable bridges between China and the Arab world, stemming from a firm belief that true cooperation begins with knowledge and grows through dialogue.
The establishment of the Center came as a strategic initiative reflecting a long-term vision for China-Arab relations, based on linking issues of reform, development, governance, and modernization with the cultural and civilizational specificities of each party. In just one decade, the center has established itself as a hub for researchers, policymakers, and thinkers, and a platform for exchanging perspectives on regional and international issues of common interest, moving beyond stereotypical rhetoric and one-dimensional approaches.
Through diverse and balanced programs, the center has combined rigorous academic research with practical engagement with the political, economic, and social realities of Arab countries and China, thus bridging the gap between theoretical scholarship and practical application. It has organized training courses and intellectual gatherings attended by hundreds of Arab officials and experts, providing genuine opportunities for direct dialogue, the exchange of expertise, the sharing of development experiences, and discussions of Chinese reform and development models within diverse Arab contexts that respect the national specificities of each country. Furthermore, reciprocal visits and official and intellectual delegations have served as a vital channel for deepening institutional communication, building trust, and expanding long-term cooperation between the two sides.
The center’s role was not limited to closed activities or academic elites; its presence extended to the media and broader intellectual spheres. Its researchers and experts contributed to enriching discussions about China and the Arab world through articles, analyses, and media interviews in multiple languages. This presence helped correct many stereotypes and offered a more balanced and objective reading of China’s transformations, as well as the specificities and challenges of the Arab world.
Developing qualified personnel occupies a central position in the center’s vision, stemming from its deep understanding that the future of Arab-Chinese relations depends on the emergence of a generation possessing a genuine capacity for mutual understanding- linguistically, culturally, and intellectually- moving beyond superficial translations or stereotypical approaches. Based on this awareness, the center has given special attention to training translators, researchers, and students through specialized training and academic programs, and by hosting Arab students in the fields of Chinese studies, governance, and development.
These efforts have contributed to producing cadres with solid knowledge tools, capable of working efficiently in the fields of diplomacy, media, scientific research, and international cooperation, thus enhancing the long-term sustainability of the Arab-Chinese partnership.
My academic visit to the China-Arab Center for Reform and Development Studies at Shanghai International Studies University was a rich and enriching experience, leaving a profound impression on both academic and personal levels. I had the opportunity to deliver specialized lectures to postgraduate students at both the master’s and doctoral levels, as well as participate in academic discussions with colleagues in the field.
These discussions reflected a high level of mutual interest in shared research topics and a deep openness to Arab experiences in the areas of thought, reform, and development. The visit also included tours of several vital sites and projects, including the “G60” project, which serves as a model for integrating scientific research, innovation, and industrial development. This experience, along with a visit to the center’s new building, highlighted its symbolic and practical dimensions. The building is not merely an academic institution, but a cultural landmark embodying the spirit of the China-Arab partnership. Its architectural philosophy translates the idea of ​​cultural convergence and integration between the two sides.
The building includes spaces dedicated to research, education, conferences, exhibitions, and training, making it a comprehensive environment for knowledge production and exchange. It also houses dedicated spaces for cultural exchange and interactive displays that narrate the history of Sino-Arab relations, highlighting their significant milestones and presenting them to new generations within a contemporary framework that blends authenticity and innovation.
As the tenth anniversary of the center’s establishment approaches, this milestone is significant not merely as a symbolic celebration, but as a strategic opportunity for reflection and evaluation. It represents a moment to review a pioneering experience that has proven its ability to transform intellectual principles and political visions into effective institutions, and general slogans into tangible, impactful programs. Throughout its journey, the center has demonstrated that the most robust and sustainable international relations are those built on mutual understanding, cultural respect, and strategic trust, placing humanity at the forefront as the architect of the future and the cornerstone of any successful partnership between nations.
Today, the China-Arab Center for Reform and Development Studies stands as a leading model of intellectual and cultural diplomacy, reflecting a shared belief that the future of Arab-Chinese relations is built not only on economic interests, but also on a long-term intellectual and human partnership. As it enters its second decade, the center seems more qualified than ever to continue playing its role as a cultural bridge, a knowledge hub, and a university platform that contributes to shaping a more balanced and cooperative future between China and the Arab world.