The First Meeting of the China-Arab Think Tank Alliance

Dr. Hasan Dajah

Visiting Professor at the China-Arab Center for Reform and Development Studies

Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

The first meeting of the China-Arab Think Tank Alliance was held on September 27, 2024, in Shanghai, as a new step aimed at enhancing cooperation between China and Arab countries in intellectual, political and economic relations. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech in which he focused on the importance of this alliance as a strategic framework for expanding cooperation between the two sides in various fields.

The importance of the China-Arab Think Tank Alliance, as Deng Li, Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized in his speech, is that this alliance is a natural result of the profound development witnessed by friendly relations between China and Arab countries over the decades. He pointed out that these relations have developed significantly with the increase in mutual political trust and the strengthening of economic and cultural cooperation. He added that the alliance represents an important step towards enhancing intellectual exchanges and expanding areas of cooperation between the two parties.

According to Deng Li, the alliance aims to achieve five main goals: serving development, supporting cooperation, promoting peace, advocating justice, and expanding cultural and intellectual exchanges. He stressed that these goals will contribute to building a solid foundation for deepening China-Arab relations in the future, in addition to providing intellectual support to enhance cooperation between China and Arab countries within the framework of the “Global South”, which includes developing countries seeking sustainable development and economic renaissance.

In his speech, Deng Li also addressed the issue of the Palestinian issue, which occupies a pivotal position in China’s foreign policy regarding the Middle East. He expressed his hope that the alliance will contribute to providing a unified voice from the Chinese and Arab sides on this issue. He also pointed out the importance of putting forward joint proposals and solutions aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region

Deng Li explained that intellectual cooperation between Chinese and Arab research centers can make a valuable contribution to finding a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, which will support peace and stability in the Middle East. He expressed his hope that these efforts will contribute to reaching an early settlement that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people for independence and the establishment of their state.

For his part, Al-Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, as well as other representatives from Arab countries, expressed their appreciation for China’s achievements in the fields of development and technology. They praised China’s active role in international and regional issues, especially with regard to the Palestinian issue.

They also expressed their aspiration to deepen cooperation with China in various fields, including economy, technology, and energy. They stressed that cooperation between Arab countries and China is a key factor in achieving modernization and sustainable development on both sides.

Al-Khattabi pointed out that China’s positions on the Palestinian issue have always been consistent with the principles of justice and defending the rights of peoples to self-determination. He considered that these positions make China a reliable partner for the Arab world in its efforts to achieve regional stability.

The first meeting of the China-Arab Think Tank Alliance witnessed extensive discussions on a number of issues of great importance to both sides. Among these issues are high-level open cooperation between China and Arab countries, and how to promote sustainable economic development through cooperation.

The Palestinian issue was also among the main topics discussed during the meeting, as participants sought to exchange views on the best ways to support the Palestinian people and achieve lasting peace in the region.

The China-Arab Think Tank Alliance was established in January 2024, and its membership includes about 40 think tanks from China and 19 Arab countries, in addition to the League of Arab States. The alliance aims to provide innovative solutions and ideas to address the common challenges facing China and Arab countries in areas such as economy, sustainable development, and foreign policy.

The meeting, hosted by the China-Arab Reform and Development Research Center, was attended by representatives from Arab countries, including envoys of some Arab countries to China. Participants stressed that the alliance will contribute to enhancing mutual understanding between the two sides, and serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on strategic issues.

Finally, the first meeting of the China-Arab Think Tank Alliance can be considered an important step towards strengthening relations between China and Arab countries at the intellectual and political levels. The alliance is expected to provide intellectual and strategic support for enhancing cooperation in various fields, including sustainable development, technology, and regional issues. The alliance also provides an opportunity for the two sides to cooperate in addressing common challenges and building a better future.