China, Pakistan, and Arab countries can collectively build a new trade troika that will also help Pakistan change its economic fortune
Naveed Miraj
There is a security and an economic dimension to the recently-concluded three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Xi’s meetings with the Saudi leadership as well as attendance at the first-ever China-Arab and China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summits in Riyadh spotlighted the warming of ties and the desire on both sides to write a new chapter in their relationship, which in fact, will be a win-win partnership given their strengths in diverse sectors. If put together, their strengths will not only benefit them but the world at large as well.
During the last decade or so, relations between China and the Arab states have witnessed substantial progress, with cooperation expanding into various fields.
Now Xi’s Riyadh visit saw China signing a strategic partnership agreement with KSA and dozens of cooperative agreements with other Arab states covering energy, infrastructure, finance, education, technology, and other important fields.
There is also a deeper synergy between the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ of President Xi and Vision-2030 of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. It is our firm belief that when the two visionary and farsighted leaders sit together, they do something good for humanity.
Hence their collaboration will give an impetus to their strategic plans that will positively impact the lives of their people as well as those of other regions as well.
Addressing the two summits in Riyadh, the Chinese President also assured to support the Arab states in maintaining their security something which would have raised many eyebrows in important countries but this should not be misconstrued given the fact that regardless of recent irritants, the West, especially the US’s relationship with the KSA and other Gulf Countries has its own significance, spanning over eight decades.
Apart from security and political coordination, the US companies have made massive investments in several Arab states including Saudi Arabia. Also in diplomacy, one relationship is not developed at the expense of the other rather a balance is created.
Addressing the two summits in Riyadh, the Chinese President also assured to support the Arab states in maintaining their security something which would have raised many eyebrows in important countries.
But, this should not be misconstrued given the fact that regardless of recent irritants, the West, especially the US’s relationship with the KSA and other Gulf Countries has its own significance, spanning over eight decades.
Apart from security and political coordination, the US companies have made massive investments in several Arab states including Saudi Arabia. Also in diplomacy, one relationship is not developed at the expense of the other rather a balance is created.
We understand that the Arab countries under no circumstances would also like to hurt their relationship with Washington.
There will be a lot of suspicion within the US administration after Xi’s visit and now it is the test case for the Arab leadership as to how they balance their relationship with both the economic and military powers.
And equally important is that one does not put all its eggs in one basket. For long, the Gulf region has remained dependent on the US regarding security matters.
Regardless of awarding big ticket, defence deals, Washington has unfortunately often blackmailed the Arab countries on various occasions.
It is a farsighted approach on the part of Arab leadership, especially Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman that while looking beyond one country, they are now pursuing the course of diversification in relationship which will augur well to protect their vital interests.
What makes China and Arab genuine allies is their belief in respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs? They both oppose external interference and all forms of hegemonism and power politics.
Hence, we believe their partnership is very much sustainable and based on mutual understanding and respect.
China can meet its growing energy requirements from the resource-rich Arab countries which can also look towards Beijing for technological advancement and purchase of defence-related equipment.
The Kingdom is already engaging Chinese companies for cloud computing and building high-tech complexes in big cities.
The growing relationship between China and the Arab countries also offers great opportunities to Pakistan, which has cordial and friendly ties with both the sides.
We can serve as a bridge and corridor, especially through Gwadar Port for their upward trajectory in trade and economic relations. In fact, China, Pakistan, and Arab (CPA) countries can collectively build a new trade troika that will also help us change the country’s economic fortune.
