China studies take root in Arab nations

She noted that interest among Arab countries in participating in frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is growing. For example, the inaugural China-Arab Summit and frequent visits by multiple heads of state to China for the China-Arab Cooperation Forum indicate that this trend has become a strategic national choice.

Analyzing the reasons behind the trend, Wang Guangda, secretary-general of the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development and a professor at Shanghai International Studies University, said the Arab world's interest in China is driven not solely by economic factors but by a combination of strategic goals, a development paradigm and a civilizational narrative.

The Middle East has long been at the center of geopolitical struggles involving major powers, with external interventions being at the root of instability. China's principle of non-interference in internal affairs and respect for Arab nations' sovereignty and independent development paths aligns with their collective aspiration to break free from dependency-based international relations and pursue strategic autonomy, Wang said. "This forms a fundamental political attraction."

Many Arab nations also face challenges in transforming their economies, including over-reliance on natural resources, the need for industrial diversification, youth unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. China's progress from a poverty-ridden country to a modernized nation presents a different model from the Western approach to modernization. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, energy and the digital economy offers Arab nations tangible development possibilities. "This is an essential motivation at the economic level," Wang added.

He also said Chinese and Arab civilizations share a narrative of equality. The two ancient civilizations advocate exchange and mutual learning among civilizations and reject the Western-centric view that ranks civilizations as higher or lower.

"This fits the Arab world's need to reclaim its own civilizational subjectivity," he noted.

Wang said the shifting global landscape has encouraged Arab nations to diversify their international partnerships.