WANA in 2012 and China’s Relations with Arab Countries

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  THE year 2012 saw dramatic changes in the WANA (West Asia and North Africa) region, wrought by intertwining conflicts, divisions and regroupings among various forces, each intent on gaining superior development, status and influence. The discussion on the Middle East issue last September in the United Nations General Assembly took the form of stormy debates, albeit weaponless, no less fierce than the relentless battles in the region over the past year.
  


  Radical changes, notably regime transitions in certain countries and resultant turmoil in the WANA region, have had huge impact on the Middle East’s political ecology and power structure. Several hotspot issues have arisen. Syria constitutes a polarization of various conflicts. Large countries have sporadically competed in the region over interconnecting, complex and volatile issues. The Middle East trend reflects profound adjustments in the international strategic pattern. In mid-November 2012, Israel launched operation Pillar of Defense as revenge for Hamas’ rocket attacks. The large-scale air strikes on the Gaza Strip caused 1,000 or more casualties, underlining the obduracy on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The double standards that the U.S. exhibits in this respect are also a source of rising discontent in the Arab and Islamic worlds, in the latter of which the Palestine problem is of core importance and a main cause of long-term regional turmoil. Accumulating conflicts between Israel and Palestine threaten to erupt into irrevocable acts of violence at any time.
  China pursues the policy of respecting sovereignty and of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It actively safeguards people’s fundamental interests and regional stability, and has steadily developed friendly relations with various countries in the region. Hu Jintao emphasized in his report at the 18th CPC National Congress last November the importance of relationships with developing countries. He reiterated, “China is committed to peaceful settlement of international disputes and hotspot issues, opposes the wanton use of force or threats to use it, opposes any foreign attempt to subvert the legitimate government of any other countries, and opposes terrorism in all its manifestations.” China’s policy on the WANA region constitutes the putting into practice of Hu’s explication of China’s position. In early 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to promote development of strategic cooperation with the Gulf countries. The relationship between China and the WANA countries has since maintained a good momentum. Under the backdrop of fundamental changes and turmoil, the trade volume between China and Arab countries reached US $165 billion in the first three quarters of 2012 – up 15.6 percent over the same period of the previous year.   


  Active Participation in Settlement of the Syrian Crisis
  Syria has been a main focus of international attention in the Middle East over the past year, as has China’s attitude and position on the issue.
  In the 19 months since the breakout of the Syrian crisis, China has stuck to the policy of political solution, supporting resolutions led by the Syrian people that reflect their reasonable demands. Non-interference in internal affairs, however, does not necessarily mean non-action. China has remained committed to diplomatic efforts to end violence and find a peaceful solution that satisfies all parties. To this end, China raised a six-point plan on political resolution of the Syrian conflict. At the Geneva foreign ministers’meeting of the Action Group for Syria, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also elaborated a four-point proposal for diplomatic mediation between the Syrian government and the opposition. China has sent special envoys to Syria on several occasions, received representatives of the Syrian government and opposition and maintained contact with opposing organizations both in Syria and abroad. The Chinese government has urged the two parties to cease fire and violence and open a political-inclusive dialogue at the earliest possible date. China has maintained close communication with relevant members of the international community, and coordinated among Arab countries and the Arab League. Long committed to the solidarity of the international community, China has constructively participated in UN Security Council discussions and other multilateral forums relating to the Syrian issue, having supported political mediation by the UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy and the supervisory mission to Syria. China also attended the Geneva foreign ministers’ meeting of the Action Group for Syria, and endorsed the conference’s resolution. China has been scrupulously fair to both parties, maintaining contact with representatives of both the Syrian government and its opposition. In efforts to bring about early settlement of the Syria conflict it has also closely cooperated with the UN-Arab League Envoy for Syria and relevant organizations.
  China’s constructive efforts have had positive effects. As the situation develops, the international community has increasingly tended towards a consensus. Syria is not Libya – its national situation, status and influence in the region are quite different. The international community will not allow any duplication of the “Libya mode.” The ultimate resolution in this instance should be based on interactions and discussions among various parties in Syria. An impartial examination and understanding of China’s position make clear that it is truly safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, the peace and stability of the Middle East, and defending the UN Charter and standard of international relations.   Respect and Support for People’s Choice
  The WANA region is experiencing changes no less dramatic than those resulting from World War II. Monitoring these changes while maintaining traditional friendships with the Arab world are main strands of China’s diplomacy in the new era.
  China cherishes its friendship with Arabic peoples and respects their wishes and choices. The starting point of China’s policy is that of safeguarding peace and stability and the long-term fundamental interests of the people, and maintaining friendship between Chinese and Arabic peoples. China expounded its views and stance at the early stages of change in the region. They can be summarized as follows. First, China respects the demands of people for change and development, and supports their independent explorations in this respect. Second, China calls on WANA countries and the international community to resolve differences through inclusive, peaceful political dialogues, and firmly opposes the use of force and violence. Third, China holds that the international community should comply with the UN Charter and respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of countries in the region. It resolutely opposes external military interventions. China has repeatedly stated that it is neither sheltering nor opposing anyone, but safeguarding the independence and national dignity of developing countries, including China and the Arab states. Fourth, China advocates comprehensive man-agement by the international community of regional transitions, and reinforced political and diplomatic efforts to facilitate the peace process in the Middle East. With respect to dealing with Syria, Iran and other hotspot issues, China proposes strengthened support of economic and social development in relevant countries that will help them to accomplish a smooth transition.
  Two major events in 2012 demonstrate China’s putting into practice of the above policies. One is the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Tunisia at the end of May. The conference re-affirmed the strategic partnership between China and Arab states and the blueprint for future bilateral relations. The second is Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s successful visit to China in late August. Since the popular revolution and regime transition in this large country that represents a point of balance in the Arab world, the new president, who has a Muslim Brotherhood background, has entered the global spotlight. Morsi visited China just two months after his inauguration, clearly placing the cultivation of a relationship with China at the top of Egypt’s agenda. Leaders of both countries reached a consensus on developing a bilateral strategic partnership, and on regional as well as international issues. The meeting made clear that China, along with all Arab countries, will make efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region.   


  Development of China-Arab Relations
  Located at the juncture of Asia, Europe and Africa, the Middle East has been a strategic territory in history and is still a decisive element of big countries’international strategy. China’s policy on this region has been a key and representative aspect of its overall diplomacy. A main participant in, constructor of and contributor to the international system, China adheres to the policy of peace and negotiation, and has played a constructive role in resolving issues and easing situations through political settlement. China is committed to tackling challenges and, together with other countries, promoting common development. China advocates equality and democracy in international relations and seeks cooperation and win-win in the development process. It advocates just and efficient global governance, promotes common progress in diverse cultures, and pursues universal, interdependent security.
  Development of the multi-polar world, economic globalization and cultural diversity, scientific and technological breakthroughs, as well as the expanding influence of the information revolution, have generated growing exchanges among different civilizations and greater interconnectedness and interdependence in the international community. Ours is a flat world wherein the rise of any country cannot be excluded from the world pattern. That all countries help one another, develop peacefully and cooperate towards a win-win situation has become a universal aspiration and a common pursuit of the international community. Under the framework of China-Arabic cooperation, dialogues between Chinese and Arabic civilizations are progressing through deepening cooperation in all fields. China has played and continues to play a crucial role in these historic changes. In future, China’s international obligations, as well as its rights and interests, will extend continuously; it will play a greater role in promoting human civilization and building a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. China and Arab countries, both having long histories and ancient civilizations, will make concerted efforts to develop a new strategic cooperative relationship.
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