China increasing Belt and Road ties with Arab nations

The eighth China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) took place in Beijing this week, with both sides pledging increased economic cooperation, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

CASCF, founded 14 years ago and held every two years, provides a forum to facilitate high-level Sino-Arab relations. As reported in Okaz, Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the summit with a speech declaring that China and Arab countries has agreed to establish “a future-orientated strategic partnership of comprehensive cooperation and common development.”

Three documents were signed at the Forum, including the Beijing Declaration, 2018-2020 Action Plan and the Belt and Road Cooperation. This includes cooperation in nearly 20 areas, including trade, investment, industry, energy and culture, according to CGTN.

In regards to individual nations, China and Kuwait have been in discussion about several major infrastructure projects, including The Silk Project and Kuwait Islands. China and the UAE have agreed to boost their strategic partnership, with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that China is willing to integrate the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the UAE. Bahrain and China also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance construction of the Belt and Road. According to Xinhua both countries will promote pragmatic cooperation under the Belt and Road framework.

The developments come amid a perceived backlash against China’s implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative throughout Asia, most notably in Malaysia. Ensuring Arab support for the BRI is crucial to its success and represents a strategic and diplomatic win for China.