In China, Gulf states find ideal partners

China has its global project, the Belt and Road Initiative, a mega project that will reshape trade and logistics roadmaps and give China control over them. At the same time, the Gulf states are at the juncture of this important project and already have state-of-the-art infrastructure – unrivaled in the region. Therefore, they can provide advanced services and facilities for Chinese initiatives in addition to the growing trade between the two countries.

This integration comes at a time when approaches between the GCC countries and their traditional partners have diverged due to changes in commitments. And reflect an attempt to impose an agenda that conflicts with the interests of the GCC. This means that there is now greater synergy between the GCC and China, as confirmed by the Chinese president in an article published in the Riyadh newspaper.

He said: “Arab countries are rich in resources, with distinctive industrial characteristics, remarkable development achievements, and huge potential. Arab civilizations advocate moderation and moderation, encourage tolerance and mutual learning, and oppose civilization conflicts. They have profound cultural heritage and historical origins. Whether in On the world political, economic and cultural map, Arab countries have always occupied an important position.”

In response to these initiatives, Saudi Arabia and China have signed 34 investment agreements in the field of green energy, including green hydrogen energy, photovoltaic energy, IT, transportation, the medical industry, construction and housing.

Needless to say, the UAE has signed several cooperation agreements with China, while Qatar has signed a long-term agreement to supply natural gas to China.

The nature of these deals demonstrates the importance GCC countries place on preparing their economies for the post-oil era by diversifying their economies and ensuring that their products have broad markets in the future.

During the China-Sea Summit, the two sides agreed to establish a free trade zone and set up a joint investment committee, which will be of great significance to the strengthening of cooperation between the two sides. The GCC approach represents one of the most important global influences on the East – and has been followed by some EU countries.

The German chancellor visited Beijing late last month, during which he signed several economic deals despite criticism of him, including some from his partners in the European Union (EU).

African countries are also moving away from traditional global powers, whose influence has grown over the years in their former colonies, to work with emerging powers, notably China, as well as GCC countries, Russia and India, which are prioritized in the contract.

The GCC countries want to continue to cooperate with European and American countries because of their common historical interests. This reflects the wisdom of the GCC approach.

This is because there is no need to have a relationship with one at the expense of the other. The policies of the Gulf states take into account global changes, the balance of power, and the convergence of common interests with all major powers.

GCC policy is developing in two directions, one is to take advantage of global changes to build relationships with emerging powers. The second is a realignment of relations with Western partners, which in the past has been marred by many incomprehensions. This will bring huge benefits to the GCC countries in their pursuit of economic diversification, and enhance the GCC’s independence in decision-making in various fields and the principle that it is mainly in line with its own interests.