The first China-Arab summit is a strategic choice for both sides
Global TimesDec 06, 2022Dec 06, 2022
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China, Saudi Arabia Cement Ties
Last updated Dec 12, 2022
Image credit: Saudi Press Agency/Handout/Reuters [via Al Jazeera]Facts
- Saudi King Salman and Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping on Thursday signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership agreement" as part of Xi's historic visit to Riyadh aimed at bolstering political and economic ties.[1]
- The multiple strategic deals between the two countries included an MoU with China's Huawei Technologies on cloud computing and building high-tech complexes in Saudi cities.[2]
- The Saudi Press Agency reported that Chinese and Saudi firms also signed 34 deals for investment in green energy, information technology, cloud services, transport, construction, and other sectors.[3]
- Meanwhile, during the China-Gulf summit on Friday, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that the countries had discussed the possibility of establishing a Chinese-Gulf free trade zone.[4]
- Uneasy with China's growing influence in the Middle East, the US termed Xi's visit an example of Beijing's alleged attempts to exert influence around the world and said it will have no impact on US policy towards the Middle East.[5]
Spin
Pro-China narrative
Xi's trip is a fantastic opportunity for China to increase trade and cooperation with the Arab world, specifically its main oil-producing states. China and the Middle East are natural cooperative partners, as they have shared experiences in their respective struggles with Western imperialism. The Arab world has become tired of the condescending arrogance of the West and deserves a real international partner, such as China.
Anti-China narrative
Though Xi's trip to Saudi Arabia may seem like a routine summit, in reality, it demonstrates China's desire to export its own brand of high-tech authoritarianism. China's goals are overall economic in nature, but they also seek to empower the region's despots within a system of totalitarian capitalism. For China, ideals like freedom and democracy mean nothing, and economic and geopolitical interests trump all.
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance that there will be a mile-high building by February, 2042, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
