Arab World and China Cooperation and News.

[Arabian Legend]

Thanx @Al Bhatti for the update.

 

[Al Bhatti]

China launches its first yuan bond in Middle East

September 21, 2014

Agricultural Bank of China celebrates 1b yuan bond listing on Nasdaq Dubai

Lender is the first Chinese issuer to list a bond on an exchange in the Mena region

Min Fang, senior executive Officer of the Dubai branch of the Agriculture Bank of China (ABC), today rang the market-opening bell to celebrate the listing of a 1 billion yuan ($163 million; Dh590 million) bond on Nasdaq Dubai.

ABC, China’s third-largest bank by assets, is the first Chinese issuer to list a bond on an exchange in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. ABC went public in 2010 in China, raising $22 billion in what was then the world’s largest IPO by value.

The bell ceremony took place in the presence of Tang Weibin, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai; Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and chairman of Dubai Financial Market (DFM); Abdul-Wahid Al Fahim, chairman of Nasdaq Dubai; Hamed Ali, chief executive of Nasdaq Dubai, and senior executives of ABC.

“Our decision to issue and list the renminbi bond in Dubai is an important step in our strategy of global expansion,” Min said. “As the Mena region’s international exchange, Nasdaq Dubai is the ideal venue to promote our visibility with investors based in the Middle East and neighbouring countries. We intend to further build the presence of the Chinese currency across the [the] Mena [region] from our base in Dubai, in order to provide the best possible service to our customers and business partners and strengthen overall economic and financial cooperation between China and the region.”
The bank opened its first branch in the Mena region at the DIFC in 2013.

“As the economic and financial ties between China and the Middle East expand rapidly, Dubai is well placed to facilitate a continuing broadening and deepening of this important relationship,” Kazim, DIFC governor and DFM chairman, said.


“The emirate’s sophisticated financial infrastructure is available to promote an offshore renminbi market serving the region and facilitate a range of transactions for the mutual benefit of Chinese and Middle East issuers and investors.”
Al Fahim, Nasdaq Dubai chairman, said: “The listing of ABC’s bond on Nasdaq Dubai underlines the important role of the exchange as a global hub that links our region with the rest of the world. Nasdaq Dubai’s international framework and regulatory standards provide a transparent and stable environment for regional and international market participants alike.”

According to Ali, Nasdaq Dubai CEO, “The exchange is delighted to provide a platform to support the regional activities of ABC, as one of China’s most prominent banks with an expanding footprint in Mena countries. Nasdaq Dubai’s high international profile is uniquely positioned to serve issuers from China as they increase their business presence in the region and we look forward to building new relationships with Chinese companies.”

ABC’s bond listed on Nasdaq Dubai on September 15, 2014. Nasdaq Dubai is a global leader in bond listings with a nominal value of $26.79 billion currently listed.

Agricultural Bank of China celebrates 1b yuan bond listing on Nasdaq Dubai | GulfNews.com

----------------------------------

09-22-2014

China launches its first yuan bond in Middle East

China has expanded its offshore yuan market to a new region by issuing the first yuan bond in Dubai.

The Agricultural Bank of China, the country’s third-largest bank, launched the listing of the one billion yuan (about US$163 million) "Emirates bond" on Nasdaq Dubai on September 21.

The three-year bond, which is part of the bank’s global mid-term bond plan, has a 3.5-percent coupon rate. Although the rate is lower than averaged market readings, traders said that several local Emirate banks had invested in the bond. The local subscription was about one fourth of the total bond value.

Ratings agency Moody’s gave the bond the A1 rating at the initial evaluation.

China launches its first yuan bond in Middle East - CCTV News - CCTV.com English

-------------------

09-22-2014

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes the yuan bond

The Nasdaq Dubai is the only international stock exchange in Middle East and North Africa. The Emirate Bond is the first yuan bond listed at the institution. As China and Middle Eastern countries strengthen tes, the yuan is not only used for international settlement, but also for investment.

Nasdaq Dubai welcomes the yuan bond - CCTV News - CCTV.com English

 

[Ahmed Jo]

Amman, Oct 18 (Petra) – Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said on Saturday that Jordanian-Chinese ties have recently witnessed important progress and His Majesty King Abdullah's visits to Beijing had helped achieve a major leap in bilateral cooperation.

Welcoming a Chinese media delegation, led by Xinhua news agency chief editor, He Ping, Ensour also said that Jordan had a strong political system and a bright record on human rights and liberties. Despite scarce resources and regional turmoil, he said, Jordan had set a model for success that a small country could achieve, adding that the Kingdom had put the focus on investment in human resources.

He cited the country's advancements in terms of education and literacy figures, medicine and medical tourism fields and the contribution of its skilled manpower in the development that other Arab countries are witnessing.

During the meeting, attended by State Minister for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani, He Ping said Xinhua, as one of the world's largest news agencies, had a regional office in Amman and is interested in further cooperation with the Jordanian media.

Momani also separately met the Chinese delegation and said Jordan's location in a troubled region made it a destination for foreign media to cover the region, noting the freedom and technical and logistical services the Kingdom offers to journalists.








Amman, Sept 27 (Petra) -- A delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Higher Education on Saturday visited the German Jordanian University (GJU) to acquaint itself with its academic and scientific experiences.

GJU president Natheer Abu Obeid told the delegation that the university's establishment was modeled on the experience of German applied universities in order to introduce a new approach of applied education, noting that the GJU is a cultural bridge between Jordan and Europe via Germany.

Obeid briefed the delegation on GJU's programs, majors as well as systems that comprise financial and administrative matters in addition to training courses that undergraduate students take in Germany.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chinese cultural counselor in Amman praised the advanced level achieved by the GJU and its interest in industrial and technological spheres, noting his country's Higher Education Ministry's initiative to set up a university in Jordan that would help in further enhancing Sino-Jordanian ties.

The visit is the third of its kind to the GJU by Chinese officials in the field of studies and research as the Chinese Higher education Ministry is implementing such programmes.








Sino-Jordanian Ties: Growing in the Midst of Turmoil
While its neighbors are in turmoil, Jordan enjoys a growing relationship with China.
Last April marked the 37th anniversary of Sino-Jordanian diplomatic relations, which began in April 1977. While civil conflict and political instability have thrown its neighbors into turmoil, Jordan enjoys a relatively strong relationship with China.

Trade between Beijing and Amman has increased at a very rapid pace in recent years. In fact, China has become Jordan’s second largest import partner and an important source of much-needed investments. Amman mainly exports phosphate and sylvite to Beijing and imports textile, electronics, grains, and light industrial products. It is reported that several Chinese companies have made their way to Jordan. Last year for example, an agreement was signed by the two countries to construct a $2.5 billion dollar oil shale power plant in Jordan to produce 900 megawatts of electricity. The agreement also includes a consortium of China’s Shandong Electric Power Construction Corporation (SEPCO III) and HTJ Group along with Jordan’s Al-Lajjun Oil Shale Company to build the power station in the city of Karak.

In addition, another deal was also inked between Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology Company and China International Water and Electric Corporation to design, construct, and operate a wind-powered 300-megawatt plan in Jordan. This is only the latest in a series of engagements between Amman and Beijing. Earlier in 2012, a major Chinese solar company, Trina Solar, expressed plans to invest $200 million in a solar energy project in Jordan. Although largely unreported, in 2008 a peaceful nuclear deal was also signed between the two countries.

In more recent years, Beijing’s ties with Amman have expanded beyond just an economic relationship. In 2008, a Confucius Institute was established in Jordan to promote the Chinese language and strengthen their bilateral relations. The prospect of further cooperation in the field of education was recently discussed, including the establishment of a Sino-Jordanian University. Several websites also indicate that there are a number of Jordanian students who are currently studying in China. On the other hand, some students from China are reportedly pursuing Arabic studies at different universities in Jordan.

Cooperation in the military sector has also become increasingly visible. Early this year, China provided a grant of $4.9 million to the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) to procure Chinese-made military equipment. This offer came three months after the two countries struck a deal to develop a defense industrial partnership between JAF and China’s State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense. Even though China is unlikely to replace the U.S. as Jordan’s main military supplier, it is determined to expand its arms exports to Amman as security threats from Jordan’s neighboring countries are expected to increase.

Reciprocal relations continue between Beijing and Amman through different channels. As in many Middle Eastern countries, China has been utilizing aid and assistance to strengthen its ties with Jordan. Early last year for instance, as the number of Syrian refugees continued to flood into Jordan, Beijing donated $200,000 in aid to provide medical aid and transport for these refugees. However, this was not the first time for the Chinese to demonstrate their generosity toward their Jordanian counterparts. Between 1999 to 2009, China has offered Jordan 17 grants with a total amount of $57.1 million to fund several development projects in the country. Also, since 1984 China has provided seven interest-free loans for a total of $38.4 million to Jordan. There are also currently several ongoing projects such as the Al-Baqa’a Hospital, low-income housing, and a water supply network upgrade and expansion that are funded by the Chinese government.

To strengthen their relationship, the two countries have also organized several delegations and conferences. The China Fair Jordan has been held annually in the Kingdom since 2004. The exhibition is the largest Chinese products trade show in the Middle East and attracts more than 1,000 Chinese suppliers. On the other hand, Jordan also attended the China-Arab State Expo in Yinchuan last September and the China-Arab Cooperation Forum (CASF) in Beijing last month.

As the growing partnership appears to be mutually advantageous for both sides, China and Jordan are expected to boost their partnership in the coming years. This relationship may expand into fields including tourism, a railway project, culture, and education. For the Jordanians, strong ties with the Chinese offer them low-cost consumer products and much-needed foreign investments. Meanwhile, it opens a wide opportunity for Beijing to access a promising consumer market for its exports and worthwhile investments.

There is also the prospect for a greater partnership in the field of renewable energy. According to Jordan’s 2012 Renewable Energy Law, by 2015, 7 percent of its energy will come from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. It is also expected that by 2015, 25 percent of Jordan’s energy will come from domestic sources, which should increase to 39 percent by 2020. To achieve these goals, the Kingdom will require approximately $14 to $18 billion in investments. As Chinese firms are the most economical when it comes to expertise and service, it would make sense for Jordan to turn to China for assistances in obtaining the necessary technology and infrastructure to develop those renewable sources.

At the same time, as the Middle East increasingly occupies an important place in China’s foreign policy, building closer ties with Amman would provide China a way to expand its strategic influence in the region. Furthermore, as indicated by politicians from both countries, the ties may also bolstered by Beijing’s stance on several issues, such as political stability, the Syrian conflict, and the Palestinian issue, which largely corresponds with Jordan’s position. In fact, last year Jordan’s King Abdullah II encouragedChina to play more active role in resolving the Syrian catastrophe.

 

[al-Hasani]

KSA to hold Arab-Chinese meet on energy in Riyadh​

Saleh Al-Awaji​

RIYADH: SHARIF M. TAHA

Published — Sunday 26 October 2014

Last update 26 October 2014 12:19 am

Riyadh plans to host the 4th Arab-Chinese Cooperation Conference on Energy on Nov 18-20, under the motto “Sustainable energy for development,” said Undersecretary of the Ministry of Water and Electricity for Electric Affairs and Head of the Organizing Committee Saleh Al-Awaji.
Al-Awaji stressed the need to boost cooperation in the areas of petroleum, natural gas, renewable energy, and energy efficiency based on the common interests existing between Arab and Chinese parties.
The 4th conference comes in implementation of the final communiqué issued at the end of the 3rd Arab-Chinese Cooperation Conference on Energy, which was held in Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China, in 2012, and recommendations of the 6th ministerial meeting of Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum in Peking in June 2014.
Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs Mohamed bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri said the executive bureau of the Arab Council of Ministers for Electricity has issued a decision to support Arab-Chinese cooperation, notably in its 4th session.
He said the Arab League Secretariat General will join the 4th conference represented by high-powered officials in different energy sectors, experts, engineers, businessmen and industrialists concerned with energy affairs in addition to the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Counties (OAPEC), Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA), and the Arab Organization for Industrial Development and Mining.
The event will explore topics including electric energy, renewable energy, peaceful use of atomic energy, oil and natural gas, he pointed out.

KSA to hold Arab-Chinese meet on energy in Riyadh | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

 

[al-Hasani]

@Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @Hu Songshan

Friends, what happened with @Wholegrain ? We Arab users miss his wisdom and huge knowledge about the Arab world and many interesting posts and topics.

If he ever reappears again then please contact me. I need him for any Chinese related news or questions regarding China as I am going to China this upcoming Spring.

 

[Ahmed Jo]

@Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @Hu Songshan

Friends, what happened with @Wholegrain ? We Arab users miss his wisdom and huge knowledge about the Arab world and many interesting posts and topics.

If he ever reappears again then please contact me. I need him for any Chinese related news or questions regarding China as I am going to China this upcoming Spring.

Where in China, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[al-Hasani]

Where in China, if you don't mind me asking?

No, just ask bro. Shanghai. So it would be nice to have him around as I think that he was based in Shanghai. Might be wrong though. I don't know any locals from that city and I always prefer to seek the guidance of trustable locals whenever I visit a new place. You get to know cities in a completely different manner this way that only locals can.

 

[al-Hasani]

Focus on nuclear energy for power generation

Delegates at the Arab States-China Cooperation Forum on Energy in Riyadh.​

RIYADH: ABDUL HANNAN TAGO

Published — Tuesday 25 November 2014

Last update 24 November 2014 9:42 pm

The 4th Arab States-China Cooperation Forum (ACCF) on Energy 2014, which marked the signing of an accord on peaceful nuclear energy use, concluded in Riyadh recently. Energy for sustainable development was the forum’s theme.
Both parties identified areas of strategic cooperation for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the establishment of Chinese factories in the Arab world, with technology transfer and investment in electricity projects.
The cooperation agreement underlined the need to enhance capacity building in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, especially in power generation and desalination of seawater, and the development of industry and technology in the Arab world in this field.
The objective is to achieve industrial growth and develop uses of nuclear energy technology for peaceful purposes.
The two sides are willing to further strengthen cooperation in this area by increasing economic exchange and the adoption of mechanisms for the implementation of electricity projects and maximize the local component of the Arab side, besides technical service to organize mutual visits and workshops between the Arab and Chinese sides.
The two sides agreed on the need for the maintaining the role of ACCF in the field of energy.
They emphasized the importance of the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Arab League and the National Energy of China on the mechanism of cooperation in the field of energy and strengthen the existing cooperation, especially in the fields of oil and gas, electric power, renewable energy and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The two sides stressed that their cooperation in the field of renewable energy was all the more important, and there was the need to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encourage business development in these areas on a large scale, as also provide solutions for economically viable technical service.
They will also coordinate to overcome difficulties encountered in achieving this goal, and stress the need to adopt appropriate measures that contribute to the diversification of energy sources, in cooperation with relevant organizations in Arab states and China.
In this context, they sought to lay the foundation for a road map and create an attractive investment climate, based on frameworks that are transparent.
They will also work for cooperation in the field of research and studies and plan for the implementation of major projects for renewable energy (wind and solar), and pilot projects that characterize technical, economic and environmental feasibility according to the circumstances of each country and its resources.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in cooperation between the Arab Atomic energy Agency and China National Authority for Nuclear energy (CNNC), by jointly organizing training activities for Arab engineers in nuclear energy programs in their countries.

Focus on nuclear energy for power generation | Arab News

More Arabs want to know China's way to success​

(Xinhua) Updated: 2014-11-06 15:26

DUBAI -- More Arabs now want to know China's way to success as the country has scored remarkable economic, cultural and social achievements over the last decades, an Egyptian expert said here on Wednesday.

"Arabs no longer look only to the West to learn about economic success. Today they are increasingly eager to learn from China's way to success," said Ahmed Al-Saeed, an Egyptian cultural expert on China-Arab relations, when he presented his new book titled "The Way of China" and written in the Arabic language.

"That is why I called my book The Way of China," said Al-Saeed on the opening day of the 33rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

Arabs are eager to learn how China transformed itself from an economy based on heavy industry and agriculture into the world's second largest economy, Al-Saeed told Xinhua.

He said that his book shows the true picture of China's economic, cultural and social achievements since the "gigantic and complex country" opened up to the outside world.

However, he said China still faces challenges to express itself in the world, and that Chinese people were curious about the world but were still at the early stage to learn about the world, especially about the Middle East.

The book, co-authored by Li Huangxie, a specialist on international and Middle East studies, covers China's economic, cultural and social improvements in the last decades.

Al-Saeed attended a panel discussion about China-Arab relations with experts who contributed quotes and studies to the book.

Professor Essam Sharaf, former prime minister of Egypt, explained in his speech the common denominators between the Arabic culture and Chinese culture and the revival of the ancient Silk Road.

Both Arabs and Chinese share the values of family, clan and people and are proud of their history, said Sharaf. Social harmony and a sustainable development are also high on the agenda of both peoples who prefer a "right over might" attitude when dealing with challenges.

Professor Zhang Weiwei from China's Fudan university pointed out that the new East-meets-East wave which has emerged in the Middle East and the Far East was based on China's foreign policy of non-interference, a policy which is welcomed in Arab countries as most of them suffered from foreign interference and European colonialism in the past.

Zheng Lei, director of China Intercontinental Press which published the book, said he hoped the book would contribute to a new discussion about the Sino-Arab value sharing and future relations.

Fascinated by the stronger Arab-Chinese relations, Al-Saeed told Xinhua he planned to write more books on the topic in the future, he said.

More Arabs want to know China's way to success|Middle East|chinadaily.com.cn

Xi offers congratulations on China-Arab friendship years​

(Xinhua) Updated: 2014-09-10 21:28

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations on the opening of China-Arab friendship years.

China and Arab states have designated 2014 and 2015 as the years of China-Arab friendship during which a series of friendly exchange events will be held.

An opening ceremony for the friendship years and for the 3rd Arabic Arts Festival was held Wednesday in Beijing.

In a congratulatory message, Xi wished the events success.

With a long history of friendly exchanges, China and Arab states enjoy time-tested traditional friendship, Xi said.

And the series of events will promote mutual understanding and positive feelings between Chinese and Arabs and lay a solid base for China-Arab exchanges and cooperation, he said.

China has, as always, viewed China-Arab relations from a long-term strategic perspective, and stands ready to work with Arab states to lift China-Arab strategic cooperative relations featuring all-round cooperation and common development to a higher level, said the Chinese president.

Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Arab League, also sent congratulations on the opening of China-Arab friendship years.

Xi offers congratulations on China-Arab friendship years - China - Chinadaily.com.cn

@Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @Wholegrain (where is our friend?!) @Hu Songshan

@WebMaster can you please change the current thread title to "Arab-China Cooperation News & Updates"?

Thank you.

 

[al-Hasani]

Trans-Asia rail key to spur China economic ties with Saudi Arabia​

RIYADH — China has set a comprehensive economic strategy for linking the country to major economic countries in Asian, including Saudi Arabia through a railway, according to local newspaper on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia is among top candidates by China because of the strong economic ties between the two countries, a Chinese government source told the newspaper, adding the determination of China to implement the project in the coming phase as the railway won't be limited to trades and transfer of goods.

He highlighted that the strategy will boost economies of both countries and joint investments. Trade exchanges between Saudi Arabia and China reached $74 billion last year. The trade exchange is expected to increase to $100 billion in the next five years, he estimated.

Saudi Arabia recorded a trade surplus of SR203.13 billion in the second quarter of 2014. Balance of trade averaged SR134.0.60 billion from 1968 until 2014, reaching an all time high of SR454.12 billion in the fourth quarter of 2005 and a record low of SR389.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 1986. Balance of Trade in Saudi Arabia is reported by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.

Chinese investments in Saudi Arabia are growing and developing as many Chinese investors have invested here or form partnerships with Saudi partners.

Trade is at the heart of the growing links between Saudi Arabia and China, which center on the crude oil and petrochemicals industries. The trade between Saudi Arabia and China commenced before they established their official diplomatic relations in 1990. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the trade between the two countries flourished largely based mainly in Saudi oil exports.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the two-way trade between Saudi Arabia and China in the last two decades increased almost 58 times from $1.28 billion in 1990 to about $74 billion in 2012. Today Saudi Arabia remains China’s top partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for 11 consecutive years. The year of 2011 will be remembered as a landmark in China-Saudi relations for both countries increased their trade by almost 50 percent and managed to achieve the trade volume target ($60 billion) of 2015 four years earlier, and for the first time since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, China overtook the US to become Saudi Arabia’s top trade partner.

The growth in trade is the result of Beijing’s soaring demand for oil and the Middle East’s hunger for lower-cost goods. The bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia clearly favors the latter. The value of Saudi exports into China exceeded its imports by more than $36 billion in 2012. The bulk of Saudi exports to China comprise crude oil. China is the second largest destination (after Japan) for Saudi Arabia’s exports. China also is largest supplier of goods and services to the Kingdom. While Saudi Arabia is the largest oil supplier to China, followed by Angola and Iran.

Saudi Arabia became China’s 8th biggest source of imports in 2012, supplying goods and services worth of almost $55 billion. The Kingdom’s exports to China include a growing segment of non-oil products, such as chemicals used to make plastic products. Cheap consumer goods including electronics, textile and food account for most Saudi Arabia imports from China. Furthermore, increasing participation by Chinese contractors in Saudi Arabia’s construction, communication, oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors is already becoming more evident.

Saudi Arabia has been recording trade surpluses since 1968 due to shipments of oil. Main imports are: machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical equipment; transport equipment and parts thereof and base metals. Main trading partners are: United States (14 percent of total exports and 12.6 percent of imports), China (12 percent of exports and 13 percent of imports) and Japan (13 percent of exports and 6 percent of imports). Others include: South Korea, United Arab Emirates, India and Germany. — SG

@WebMaster can you please change the current thread title to "Arab-China Cooperation News & Updates"?

Thank you.

 

[al-Hasani]

@Horus

Can you please merge this thread below with this existing thread and change the title to "GCC/Arab-China Cooperation News & Updates"?

China seeks to strengthen ties with GCC

Thank you.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Why Arabs should embrace China’s Silk Road
​

Dr. Naser al-Tamimi

A few months ago, on June 5, during the opening ceremony of the sixth ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech entitled “Promoting Silk Road Spirit and Deepening China- Arab Cooperation.” Xi urged Arab countries to join China’s “Silk Road Initiative” that would build the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the 21st Century “maritime Silk Road.”

According to the official Chinese map, the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) is a trade route snaking through Southeast Asia all the way to Europe by way of South Asia through the Strait of Malacca, to India, Africa and the Middle East. Oddly enough, only four days after Xi’s speech, ISIS seized control of Iraq’s second largest city of Mosul and diverted attention from the Chinese initiative. Indeed, Xi’s important plan was lost in the midst of unfolding developments in Iraq and Syria. Perhaps what happened was a reminder to China’s leadership not only of the economic opportunities in the Middle East but also the risks that come with engaging some countries in the region.

However, Beijing cannot afford to ignore the Middle East. Indeed, since China became a net oil importer its oil consumption rose dramatically and nearly quadrupled in only twenty years, increasing from 2.9 million barrel a day (mb /d) in 1993 to around 10.7 mb/d in 2013 and it could jump to over 17 mb/d by 2030. As a result, oil imports have also rapidly increased, rising from zero in 1993 to around 6 mb/d or 58 percent of China’s total oil supply in 2013 and could double again in the next decade.

Vital seaborne imports

With this in mind, China relies heavily on sea transport to import most of its energy needs. According to the UNCTAD’s “Review of Maritime Transport 2014” which was published last month, China’s seaborne crude imports increased by 6.8 per cent reaching 7.7 mb/d and therefore it surpassed the United States as the world’s largest net oil importer. To underline the importance of maritime transport to China and the Arab countries, about 63 percent (56.5 million barrels per day) of the world’s oil production in 2013 is transported on maritime routes. In 2013, nearly 17 mb/d (over 30 percent of the world’s oil production) traveled through the Strait of Hormuz, and 15.2 mb/d (almost 27 percent of the world’s oil production) crossed through the Strait of Malacca.

Today, the Arab countries supply Beijing with nearly one in every two barrels of China’s total oil consumption. Over the last decade, China’s oil imports from Arab countries have jumped over three-fold from about 0.8 million barrel per a day (mb/d) in 2003 to nearly 2.8 mb/d, which is about half of China’s total oil imports by the end of 2013. Tellingly, of China’s top ten oil suppliers, five were Arab states (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, UAE, and Kuwait). Saudi Arabia has been China’s largest source of oil imports since 2002 and accounted for 19 percent of China’s total crude oil imports last year. Qatar supplied China with over one-third (37.7 percent) of its total liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand, subsequently becoming Beijing’s largest supplier. As a result, the two-way trade between China and Arab countries has been growing stronger for more than a decade, with the trade volume increasing almost tenfold from around $25 billion in 2003 to over $241 billion (almost 70 percent of the total with GCC states) in 2013, according to IMF Data. China is now the Arab world’s second-largest trading partner and the largest trading partner for nine Arab countries.

Three trillion trade

In a broad picture, China’s interests at stake are enormous and cannot be ignored. In 2013, China’s aggregate trade with the EU was nearly $559 billion, its aggregate trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam was over $443 billion with the Middle East it was nearly $257 billion. With Africa, it was almost $192 billion. The four areas combined represent over one third ($1.45 trillion) of China’s total trade ($4.2 trillion) with the world according to the latestIMF data. China’s burgeoning trade with Europe, ASEAN, the Middle East and Africa further increases China’s dependence on sea lanes through the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Indian Ocean and Strait of Malacca. In this sense, one can understand the importance of the sea lines of communication for China and why Beijing has been very active in economic diplomacy to promote the maritime silk road.

Looking ahead, China’s trade with these four areas (EU, ASEAN, Middle East and African countries) which is spread over three continents (Asia , Europe and Africa) could double to a staggering amount of $3 trillion by the end of this decade. In this regard, the Chinese president is very optimistic about the relations with the Middle East as his country is looking to increase the bilateral trade volume with Arab countries from last year’s $240 billion to $600 billion; increase China’s non-financial investment stock to the Arab countries from last year’s $10 billion to over $60 billion; accelerate negotiations to conclude the free trade agreement (FTA) between China and GCC states and push forward the Arab countries participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to get an early harvest.

While the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in his recent tour to Africa laid out a framework for China-Africa cooperation in a speech at the headquarters of the African Union and set the target for bilateral trade volume to top $400 billion by 2020, China also wants to explore the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU and aims for $850-900 billion in trade by 2020. Most importantly, Southeast Asian countries hope to achieve the two-way trade goal with China of $500 billion by 2015 and $ 1trillion by 2020, as well as two-way investment of $150 billion by 2020. All in all, the proposed Chinese Maritime Silk Road makes economic sense and could turn into a vital element to increase China’s standing globally. To be sure, President Xi captured the vitality of initiative to China and its neighbors in his major speech to the Chinese central foreign affairs meeting held on November, 28 to 29, 2014 in Beijing: “We have advocated the building of a new type of international relations underpinned by win-win cooperation ... pursuing shared interests ... We have endeavored to build a new model of major-country relations, put forward and practiced a neighborhood policy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.”

Ultimately, it’s so vital that Arab Countries, GCC states in particular, actively embrace China’s maritime silk road and accelerate the negotiations to reach a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. Additionally, the interests of China and the Gulf states intersect in two areas important to both sides, the first is Bab al-Mandab and the second is Suez Canal. It is in the interest of Gulf states to involve China in any future initiative aimed at achieving political stability in Yemen and Somalia. Here, we must not ignore the fact that many Chinese companies are still actively working in both countries and Beijing’s relations with Cairo are also growing steadily. On the economic level, it is important for a country like UAE to continue providing logistical facilities for Chinese companies as an investor gateway to Africa, Middle East and the Indian sub-continent.

Great power politics

Despite Beijing’s growing trade and increasing reliance on seaborne trade, China’s navy currently has limitations to protect the countries sea lines of communication. Some experts think it requires at least two decades, possibly more, to rival the U.S. navy. However, as China’s military capabilities grow and their dependence on oil from the Arab countries is apt to rise significantly over time, Beijing is likely to use its navy to protect its vital interests in the Middle East and Africa in the coming years. From a Chinese perspective, the new capabilities are not necessarily to rival the U.S. but to protect China’s vital energy and trade lifelines, conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and, if the need arises, to evacuate Chinese citizens working overseas, as it did in Libya and Iraq.

While the Maritime Silk Road becomes the center piece of Beijing’s economic diplomacy, other countries are not so sure and are still looking at the issue through the prism of great power politics or their fears about the growing Chinese influence. Indeed Xi’s vision has been interpreted as a response to the American “pivot” or “rebalancing” toward Asia and U.S. efforts to establish regional and global trade agreements that explicitly exclude China. As the Financial Times noted recently: “Defense experts in New Delhi and Washington have watched warily as China has funded a series of naval ports with potential military uses in Pakistan and Myanmar, as well as Sri Lanka’s Hambantota, an approach some analysts have labeled Beijing’s - string of pearls.”

Although Beijing has so far shown no interest in challenging America’s influence and strategic interests in the Gulf region and beyond; China cannot afford to ignore the so-called realpolitik, or as Mearsheimer straightforwardly put it: “A powerful China is sure to have security interests around the globe, which will prompt it to develop the capability to project military power into regions far beyond Asia. He then added that the Gulf will “rank high on the new superpower’s list of strategically important areas.”
________________________

Dr Naser al-Tamimi is a UK-based Middle East analyst, and author of the forthcoming book “China-Saudi Arabia Relations, 1990-2012: Marriage of Convenience or Strategic Alliance?” He is an Al Arabiya regular contributor, with a particular interest in energy politics, the political economy of the Gulf, and Middle East-Asia relations. The writer can be reached at: Twitter: @nasertamimi and email: nasertamimi@hotmail.co.uk

Last Update: Tuesday, 9 December 2014 KSA 11:22 - GMT 08:22

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/2014/12/09/Why-Arabs-should-embrace-China-s-silk-road.html

Arabs, China agree to establish digital library​

English.news.cn 2015-04-30 02:42:43

CAIRO, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Arab states and a Chinese delegation agreed here in Cairo on Wednesday to establish an expansive Arab-Chinese digital library so as to enhance cultural cooperation between the two sides.

In their meeting at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, the Chinese delegation led by Chen Li, deputy director of the National Library of China (NLC), and the Arabs signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate and exchange expertise in the fields of press, information and communication.

"We are working on the establishment of an Arab-Chinese digital library and we are about to prepare a digital library through the project of documentation of the Arab League's memory," Ambassador Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Arab League Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication, told Xinhua.

The official stressed that Arab states are very much interested in working with China due to the giant Asian country's long history and rich cultural heritage.

The meeting came within the framework of enhancing the relations between China and the Arab world in accordance with what the two sides have agreed at the Arab-China cooperation forum in 2004.

"We recommended some projects including enhancing the institutional abilities of those working in the fields of libraries and information and establishing an Arab-Chinese training center in the fields of documentation, information and libraries," Abu Ghazaleh pointed out.

The Arab nations have also decided to donate over 5,000 books on Arabic history and culture to the NLC, one of the biggest libraries in the world.

For his part, the NLC deputy chief said that Arab countries and China are all ancient civilizations that maintained frequent cultural interactions throughout their history.

"We hope to enhance the idea of regional cooperation on libraries, build a platform between Arab and Chinese libraries, fill in the gap in cooperation in this field and promote bilateral understanding and mutual learning," Chen told Xinhua.

Arabs, China agree to establish digital library
- Xinhua | English.news.cn

I guess that Pakistan would be an important part of that new "Silk Road" which should benefit all 3 parties.

@Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @Wholegrain @Hu Songshan

 

[Halimi]

China-Pakistani-KSA relations, over the next decade, are one to watch.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

China-Pakistani-KSA relations, over the next decade, are one to watch.

Yes, I really hope that China, Pakistan and KSA can work together and strengthen their relations on all fronts. I am not sure if the Yemen conflict has damaged KSA-Pakistani relations but I hope not. The criticism was mostly labelled at 2-3 Arab journalists in some newspapers and a UAE minister. I am sure that both leadership are mature enough to solve eventual disagreements in a way that is fitting for allies and long trusted partners.

I am a bit dissapoint in some Pakistani users here on PDF who equal the moves of 3-4 Arab journalists and a few ruling families with the opinions of all 450 million or so Arabs. Or that some of them believe that we look at them as "slaves" and that their army is for "rent". Pakistani involvement in Yemen was always to be limited to a few hundred soldiers at most and was more about a political signal than anything. Anyway it's not even certain that there will be a ground invasion. Yemen is another Afghanistan. The Yemeni's themselves will chase the Houthi cult back to their stronghold in the Saada Province.

 

[Halimi]

Yes, I really hope that China, Pakistan and KSA can work together and strengthen their relations on all fronts. I am not sure if the Yemen conflict has damaged KSA-Pakistani relations but I hope not. The criticism was mostly labelled at 2-3 Arab journalists in some newspapers and a UAE minister. I am sure that both leadership are mature enough to solve eventual disagreements in a way that is fitting for allies and long trusted partners.

I am a bit dissapoint in some Pakistani users here on PDF who equal the moves of 3-4 Arab journalists and a few ruling families with the opinions of all 450 million or so Arabs. Or that some of them believe that we look at them as "slaves" and that their army is for "rent". Pakistani involvement in Yemen was always to be limited to a few hundred soldiers at most and was more about a political move than anything.

I wouldn't worry about it bro. Most of these people are fickle and can't distinguish between strategic disagreements and tactical ones; thankfully the leaderships of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are in absolute coordination right on a strategic level, and there's no change in that. Pakistan has its grave problems and its situation needs to be appreciated, and Saudi Arabia seems to have understood that.

Saudi Arabia's economic, cultural and political relations with Pakistan are unshakeable, irrespective of what a few idiots say on a forum. And, in particular, the pro-Safavid idiots fail to understand that Iran can never rival Saudi's place in Pakistan. Iran can't even begin to compete in economic contributions, religious legitimacy and the fact that most Pakistanis are Sunni Muslims who, when it comes to the crunch, will side with the overwhelming majority of the Ummah.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

I wouldn't worry about it bro. Most of these people are fickle and can't distinguish between strategic disagreements and tactical ones; thankfully the leaderships of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are in absolute coordination right on a strategic level, and there's no change in that. Pakistan has its grave problems and its situation needs to be appreciated, and Saudi Arabia seems to have understood that.

Saudi Arabia's economic, cultural and political relations with Pakistan are unshakeable, irrespective of what a few idiots say on a forum. And, in particular, the pro-Safavid idiots fail to understand that Iran can never rival Saudi's place in Pakistan. Iran can't even begin to compete in economic contributions, religious legitimacy and the fact that most Pakistanis are Sunni Muslims who, when it comes to the crunch, will side with the overwhelming majority of the Ummah.

Well, PDF (the internet as a whole) is often prone to such outbursts without looking at the overall or wider picture.
I wrote 1 month ago that I fully understood if Pakistan did not want to get itself involved in Yemen (even if the presence would be very limited) as Pakistan has many challenges to face on their own at home.

In fact I have always wanted for the Arab world to fully deal with our own problems. To tell you honestly then it has always annoyed me greatly when certain Arab states have "relied" or at least made it appear like they relied on outsiders on issues that they should be able to deal with on their own.
So in fact all I want is diplomatic support from our allies. That's it. So far the KSA and the coalition has done everything on their own. In case of sending land troops to Yemen then it should be KSA and its Arab allies on their own too IMO.
The Arab world is home to almost 400 million people. We have endless resources. Manpower. All weaponry necessary, money etc.
We should be able to deal with our own problems no matter how big they are. The only problem has been internal rivalries and currently societies in chaos. All in the middle of a financial crisis that is felt everywhere including in the GCC.

This is why the decision of the Arab League to create a joint Arab force that can deal with our own internal matters is a very encouraging news. I hope that it will come to fruition and not remain as just talk.

Also I have to stress that I don't consider Pakistani Shias nor Arab Shias or regular Shias as enemies. The "Shias" that I and most of us Arabs consider as enemies currently are the Wilayat al-Faqih (Mullah regime supporters) and their agents in the Arab world whose crimes and agenda we Arabs know all too well.
Most outsiders do not understand the full picture so they will look at this as a sectarian fight when it's all about politics first and foremost. Had our enemies been atheists they would have shouted sectarianism too. In fact I don't care what those enemies believe in or not. Or if they even believe in anything. Their actions alone is reason to be against them.

The Houthi cult which by no means speaks for the Zaydi Yemeni Muslims are part of our enemies and they make no secret of it.

My view is close to the view of Khalaf al-Habtoor below.

A salute to our heroes liberating Yemen

​

Khalaf Ahmad al Habtoor
On Thursday, I awoke to news that brought peace of mind and filled my heart with pride, feelings I’m certain are shared by my Emirati compatriots and nationals of GCC states, and all dignified Arabs. Finally, we have taken command of our own destiny and control of our own security. For many decades, I’ve been longing for this very moment. Just when Yemen was going the way of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq – all Arab countries under Iranian domination via proxies – the tide is turning in our favour as I write.

It goes without saying that conflict should always be a last option, but there can be no meaningful dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran, a nation with ambitions of reinstating the Persian Empire and quashing Arabs under its boot, just as it has stamped upon Sunnis and ethnic/religious minorities in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq as well as the long-suffering Ahwazi Arabs.

Perhaps Iran can succeed in pulling the wool over the eyes of the P5 +1 whose representatives are negotiating over Tehran’s uranium enrichment program, but it cannot con its Gulf neighbours, who’ve fallen foul of Iran’s tricks time and time again.

There should be no stopping until Yemen is cleansed of pro-Iranian traitors and the legitimate government is reinstated in the capital, Sana’a. There should be no concessions made to the Shiite Houthi militias; those Iranian operatives have forfeited the right to call themselves ‘Arab’. They are betrayers deserving of the severest of punishments.

Ultimate betrayal
Fighters who choose to surrender do not merit trials; they should be shipped to their ideological motherland, Iran. Their actions - dissolving parliament, ejecting the democratically-elected president, taking over government buildings and terrorising Yemenis from north to south - constitute the ultimate betrayal.

I’ve observed Iran’s ideological and geopolitical expansion with great sorrow - and have long feared that without strong actions to thwart Iran’s aims, Gulf States risk being targeted next. But now that Saudi Arabia has launched “Operation Decisive Storm” together with its Gulf allies in Yemen’s defence at the request of the internationally-recognised government led by Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, I feel that a positive new page has been turned. This is what we have been hoping-for; this is what our people want.

Militias who make obeisance to the ayatollahs and have made armed incursions into Saudi Arabia cannot be permitted control over Yemen’s airplanes, missiles, tanks and other military equipment. And neither can they be trusted not to hold siege to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that not only connects the Red sea with the Indian Ocean but is also a link to the Suez Canal.

We don’t require a green light from anyone to defend our land

Kudos to those GCC leaders who were courageous enough to take the right decisions! History will record this brave stance you have taken to defend Yemen’s sovereignty and our region’s security. Today, we have leaders willing to lead rather than follow diktats from big powers. Your names will be engraved on monuments and will remain in the hearts of our children and grandchildren. Bravo! May God help you always to do what is best for our Arab nation!

Defensive military intervention
‘Decisive Storm’ is the perfect name for this defensive military intervention taken by the descendants of some of the greatest Arab leaders beginning with the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH), whose victorious mantel was adopted by the second Muslim Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab, commander of the Muslim armies who defeated Khosrau, King of Persia and Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor.

We are showing Iran and the world that we will no longer bury our heads in the sand while keeping up the pretence that all is well. We are displaying our strength with a massive show of military might thanks also to staunch backing from our allies – Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Morocco and Pakistan, which have all pledged to contribute to this righteous battle. Thank you to all our friends who didn’t hesitate to stand with their Yemeni brothers in their hour of need.

It is my hope that the Arab League Summit to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh on March 28-29 will be just as decisive in its backing of a Joint Arab Force able to tackle any emergency in our part of the world. We can no longer rely on our western allies to do the job for us, especially when their foreign policies are muddled and incoherent. The U.S. is courting Iran in Switzerland and sharing intelligence with the Iranian military supposedly ‘advising’ the Iraqi Army in its campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), even as it supports the Syrian opposition battling Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah defending the criminal Assad regime.

I must admit that I’ve been irritated watching Western and Arab analysts discuss Yemen on various television networks. Invariably, presenters all ask the same question: Was ‘Decisive Storm’ launched with approval from the Obama administration? What kind of question is that?

Treated like underage children
We don’t require a green light from anyone to defend our land, the safety of our peoples or our collective dignity. As a nation of 367 million, acknowledged as the birthplace of civilisation, we resent being treated like underage children. We neither need nor should seek permission from anyone.

It is my fervent hope that once Yemen is delivered from the Houthi epidemic, this Saudi-led coalition made-up of ten likeminded countries will be preserved and will turn its attention of freeing Iraq from Persian occupation. Iraq must be ruled by loyal Arabs, whether Sunni or Shiite, not those on bended knee to a foreign state working against Arab interests.

And, God willing, the day will come when our beloved Lebanon and Syria will no more be enslaved to Iran’s bullying proxies, provided our leaders keep up this historic patriotic impetus. If we don’t free our Arab territories from the silent diseases tearing them apart, the peoples of the Gulf and those of our allies will remain in constant danger.

Lastly, I must congratulate our GCC leaders. You have made us proud. Your firm action permits us to hold our heads high; I pray that you will continue to defend our nation, our independence and our dignity. And to our armed forces, especially our pilots that risk their lives during every mission, I wish you every success. Keep safe and may God strengthen you in your task of protecting our Arab soil, our Yemeni brothers and sisters and our honour.

-------------------------------

Khalaf Ahmad al-Habtoor is a prominent UAE businessman and public figure. He is Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group - one of the most successful conglomerates in the Gulf. Al Habtoor is renowned for his knowledge and views on international political affairs; his philanthropic activity; his efforts to promote peace; and the has long acted as an unofficial ambassador for his country abroad.
Writing extensively on both local and international politics, he publishes regular articles in the media and has released a number of books.
Al-Habtoor began his career as an employee of a local UAE construction firm and in 1970 established his own company, Al Habtoor Engineering. The UAE Federation, which united the seven emirates under the one flag for the first time, was founded in 1971 and this inspired him to undertake a series of innovative construction projects – all of which proved highly successful.

Last Update: Friday, 27 March 2015 KSA 09:53 - GMT 06:53

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/vie.../A-salute-to-our-heroes-liberating-Yemen.html

@Halimi