By Mohamed El-Bendary
Ties between China and Arab states have expanded considerably in recent years, from agriculture to technology, from construction to the tourism industry. There has also been noticeable Chinese-Arab collaboration in the areas of media and satellite technology, with journalists and media experts from China and the Arab states meeting in forums to exchange views and learn about each other's culture.
On May 12 and 13, a conference titled "Global South Media and Think Tank Forum Chinese-Arab Partnership Conference" was held in Cairo, Egypt. Jointly organized by Xinhua News Agency and League of Arab States and attended by approximately 250 representatives from China and the Arab world, the conference aimed at enhancing cooperation between China and Arab states, strengthening the Sino-Arab learning process, and establishing a notable China-Arab community with a shared future.
China's cultural, trade and scientific partnership with the Arabs is, however, nothing new and dates back centuries. Throughout history, China has been described by Arab scholars and explorers as a country with a great civilization. The renowned Arab traveler Ibn Battuta -- a Moroccan who visited China in the 14th century -- characterized the Chinese as diligent and hardworking people. He commended their love for arts and culture and expressed admiration for the status of Arab merchants trading there. Ibn Battuta considered China as "one of the greatest nations" and the "safest and best country for travelers".
Like Ibn Battuta, and from the stories he acquired through interacting with Arab merchants returning from China, Tunisian sociologist Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) applauded China as a great industrial nation whose development experience is founded on innovation and cultural factors that promote racial equality and justice. The philosophical beliefs of Ibn Khaldun, according to Arab scholars, are entrenched in Confucianism -- in the wisdom and beliefs of renowned Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC). Both thinkers share ideals in their interpretation of human values and the nature of civilizations, such as that humans should maintain virtuous behaviors, morality, self-discipline, humility and social cohesion. They stress that there should be no differences among humans based on ethnicity or class.
As an ancient Arab proverb advocates: "Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China." Arab traders arrived to China 500 BC via the Silk Road which linked China with Asia and Europe. They traded heavily with China by sea through the south and east of the country, yet there was also some land trading using the western part of China. The revival of the Silk Road spirit -- the current construction of the Belt and Road Initiative -- will, undoubtedly, elevate Sino-Arab trade collaboration to higher levels.
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Arab states.
China's popularity is rapidly growing in the Arab world, with much appraise granted to its objective media coverage of conflicts in the Middle East. The country has also become the Arab world's biggest trading partner. During the first seven months of 2025, trade between China and Arab League states exceeded $241.5 billion, sitting a record rise for this period and with 3.2 percent rise year on year.
China's development model serves today as an inspiration to many Arabs. And kudos to Beijing for releasing during the Cairo conference the Arabic edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership". The book should assist many of us Arabs gain a greater and all-encompassing understanding of China's prolific development experience.
The comprehensive partnership conference in Cairo is a milestone in advancing relations between China and the Arab world, with China's image continuing to rise as a true peace mediator. Guided by the teachings and values of both Confucius and Ibn Khaldun, Sino-Arab ties should continue to prosper and raise hope that we humans -- no matter what race, color or ethnic class we belong to -- can live together in peace and harmony.
Editor's note: Mohamed El-Bendary is a Cairo-based independent journalist and author of The Egyptian Press and Coverage of Local and International Events, among others.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Belt and Road Portal.
A single purchase
