The Gaza War Boosts Chinese-Arab Partnership
ISPI’S MED THIS WEEK
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“The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum helps coordinate policy between China and Arab states. It has operated since 2004 and hosts meetings between foreign ministers every other year, making 2024 the 20th anniversary of the Forum and the 10th ministerial meeting. China’s present economic and political relationships with the Arab states have largely been set at these meetings. This year the war in Gaza will be high on the agenda; Chinese and Arab officials will want to harmonise their positions. Doing so will help China portray itself as in step with regional opinion and unlike the US, which is seen negatively for seemingly backing Israel’s indiscriminate violence in the territory. But it is debatable whether any Chinese-Arab alignment on Palestine will be anything more than rhetorical.”
Guy Burton, Visiting Fellow, Lancaster University
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