Arab-Chinese Forum in Cairo highlights expanding strategic partnership and media cooperation

Amr Yehia , Wednesday 13 May 2026

Senior Arab and Chinese officials, diplomats, media executives, and think tank representatives gathered in Cairo on Tuesday for the high-level Global South Forum for Media and Think Tanks on the Arab-Chinese Partnership.

//

 

Speaking at the forum, which came amid growing calls for deeper economic, political, and media cooperation between the two sides, Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, said Arab-Chinese relations have evolved into a model of cooperation based on mutual respect and shared development, describing the partnership as one of the fastest-growing international relationships across economic, technological, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Fu stressed the increasing role of media institutions and think tanks in strengthening mutual understanding between peoples, promoting intercultural dialogue, and providing balanced coverage of international developments at a time of mounting global uncertainty.

He said the forum serves as an important platform for exchanging expertise and expanding cooperation between Arab and Chinese media organizations, particularly in areas linked to sustainable development, digital transformation, and the green economy.

Former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf described the current phase of Arab-Chinese relations as a “historic moment,” arguing that both sides are seeking to build a more balanced international partnership amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.

Sharaf said cooperation between Arab states and China has expanded significantly in recent years through trade, infrastructure, investment, and green development initiatives, while emphasizing that relations between the two sides are rooted in respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

He also highlighted the Palestinian issue as a central area of common concern between Arab countries and China, calling for intensified efforts to halt the war in Gaza and revive serious political negotiations aimed at achieving long-term regional stability.

Sharaf added that Egypt’s strategic geographic position continues to strengthen its role as a regional gateway linking Asia and Africa, making Cairo a key partner in future Arab-Chinese economic and logistical cooperation.

For his part, Zhou Pingjian, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, said relations between China and Arab countries are witnessing growing momentum across political, economic, technological, and cultural fields.

He noted that Beijing views Arab states as strategic partners and is seeking to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, technology, and investment, alongside expanding collaboration in renewable energy and sustainable development projects.

Zhou also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between Chinese and Arab think tanks and media institutions to support dialogue, exchange perspectives on regional and international issues, and enhance communication between societies.

Meanwhile, Mohammed bin Rabah Al-Yami, Director General of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said the accelerating pace of global crises has increased the need for stronger international media cooperation and more effective communication between different cultures.

Al-Yami stressed that Arab-Chinese cooperation represents a model based on mutual respect and common interests, while highlighting the growing role of media institutions in supporting development efforts, countering misinformation, and promoting dialogue and stability.

He also called for expanding cooperation between Arab and Chinese media organizations in technology, innovation, digital transformation, and content exchange.

On the sidelines of the forum, Xinhua Research Center released a new report titled China-Arab Cooperation in the New Era: Achievements, Opportunities, and Prospects, outlining the expanding scope of cooperation between China and Arab countries.

According to the report, renewable energy has emerged as a major driver of future Arab-Chinese cooperation, particularly as both sides seek to adapt to global energy transformation and diversify economic partnerships.

The report noted that while oil and gas cooperation remains strong, both sides have accelerated collaboration in hydrogen, solar energy, and green development projects. It added that Chinese companies and financial institutions are increasingly participating in renewable energy projects across the Arab world, with total installed capacity exceeding 3 million kilowatts.

The report also pointed to expanding cooperation in industrial development, scientific innovation, education, tourism, and technology transfer, describing these sectors as central pillars of the next phase of Arab-Chinese partnership.

Short link: