As the US Withdraws... China Turns Its Attention to the Middle East

King Meets Foreign Minister Abul Gate and Arab League Secretary-General
Egypt Supports 'One China'... Syria Unconditionally Supports China

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China is vying for influence in the Middle East by deciding to hold the "China-Arab League (AL) Summit" with the Arab League. Established in 1945, the Arab League is a regional organization consisting of 22 member countries, including Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Lebanon, and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

According to Chinese state media such as People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and Global Times on the 20th, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League (AL), on the 18th (local time) and agreed to work towards the successful hosting of the first China-Arab League Summit scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia next year.

Chinese state media reported that Minister Wang and Secretary-General Aboul Gheit agreed to pursue common interests between China and the Arab League through the summit. They also stated that the agenda of the China-Arab League Summit would be "a community with a shared future for mankind."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ China building friendship with the Arab League = People's Daily reported that during the meeting, in-depth discussions were held on strengthening friendly relations between China and Arab countries, cooperation on COVID-19, promotion of China's Belt and Road Initiative (land and maritime Silk Road), non-interference in internal affairs, resolving regional crises based on multilateralism, efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear and weapons of mass destruction, and strengthening counter-terrorism activities. Most of these topics were consistent with China's positions during the US-China conflicts.

People's Daily emphasized that both China and the Arab League were satisfied with the results of the meeting and agreed to continue their strategic relationship for their common interests in the future.

Chinese media added that Minister Wang, following visits to Syria and Egypt, would visit Algeria on the 20th to reaffirm the friendly cooperative relationship between China and Algeria.

◆ China hears the words it wanted to hear = Chinese state media reported that on the 18th, Minister Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and confirmed the friendly relations between China and Egypt.

President el-Sisi said at the meeting, "Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China," and added, "Egypt is a true friend and a reliable partner of China." He further pledged, "Egypt firmly supports the One China policy and is ready to cooperate closely with China for regional peace and stability."

Minister Wang then met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, signed the "Agreement on the Establishment of the China-Egypt Cooperation Committee," and agreed to further develop bilateral relations.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also met with Minister Wang on the 17th and praised China, saying, "Syria unconditionally supports China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang," and "With China's support, Syria was able to overcome external interference."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

◆ Will China's influence grow in the Middle East after US troop withdrawal? = Before visiting Syria, Egypt, and Algeria, Minister Wang visited Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan from the 12th to the 16th. Although these countries are geographically part of Central Asia, they share borders with Afghanistan, from which US troops have withdrawn.

Since the US withdrawal, Afghanistan remains unstable, with the Islamic militant group Taliban reportedly controlling more than half of Afghanistan's territory. Given that Afghanistan shares a partial border with China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China could engage in this region under the pretext of its national security.

Additionally, Afghanistan is a neighboring country to Iran, which is in opposition to the United States. There is cautious speculation that China will expand its influence in the Middle East and Central Asia by building strategic partnerships with the Arab League, Iran, Afghanistan, and their neighboring countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.