KUWAIT CITY, Nov 5: The China Cultural Center, with the cooperation of the Embassy of China in Kuwait, organized a lecture titled “China and the Middle East”, which was presented by the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University Professor Degang Sun. The lecture highlighted China’s vision for the Middle East and its approach to viewing the region as an integral part of the global arena. Professor Sun revealed that China sees the Middle East not as a battleground for conflict but as an important market, with relations based on respect, equal partnership, and mutual benefit. He clarified that the Gulf countries, as part of the Middle East, belong to their people, not to any external powers, insisting that the region should not be viewed as a backdrop for the interests of other parties. Professor Sun also highlighted China’s huge role as a trustworthy partner to various parties, citing the example of its diplomatic efforts with Iran and Saudi Arabia. Professor Sun explained that the three countries are working on strengthening trilateral ties. Differing ideologies should not prevent coexistence and partnership. Despite the historical tensions between China and Japan, both countries maintain strong commercial ties, which reflects the fact that economic cooperation can transcend political differences. He denied accusations that China exploits the conflict in the Middle East for its interests, explaining that, on the contrary, China is one of the biggest losers in such conflicts.

Chinese interests are directly affected by the Red Sea crisis, as it disrupts Chinese commercial shipments to Africa and Europe. Professor Sun affirmed that China seeks stability and security for the region. Contrary to the perspective that divides the region into “good guys” and “bad guys”, Professor Sun stated that China considers all parties involved, including Hamas and the Houthis. Hamas should be included in the large Palestinian family, represented by the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). He stressed the importance of Palestinians speaking with one voice and having a unified government to represent them, affirming that China supports an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.

Regarding the Houthis, Professor Sun explained that their attacks on ships in the Red Sea are their way of supporting the Palestinian cause. If a Palestinian state were established, such attacks would cease. He clarified that China is not against Israel but it is against injustice. He recalled the 35 million Chinese victims of World War II and expressed sympathy for the victims in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. Professor Sun rejected the notion that the lack of democracy in the Middle East is the root cause of the rise of terrorism. He stressed that China believes the key to stability is development, not democracy, adding, “When citizens have access to jobs and a strong economy, countries experience greater stability and security”.

Professor Sun highlighted the importance of putting aside ideological differences, seeking reconciliation, and moving forward together. He pointed to Kuwait as a real model of reconciliation, highlighting how the country, after enduring the Iraqi invasion, achieved national unity and has seen growing cooperation between the two nations. Professor Sun emphasized China’s commitment to enhancing its soft power, based on equal partnerships and common interests. He said China has no military bases or soldiers in the region, but it plays a significant role in the global peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations’ missions, not through Chinese armed forces. Professor Sun stressed the need for Syria to be united and sovereign, affirming that it should be solely for the Syrian people. He asserted that Syria should not become a proxy for any foreign powers or countries. In response to a question about the results of the U.S. presidential election, Professor Sun stated that China does not interfere in other countries’ elections. However, he remarked that Donald Trump is unpredictable, and Kamala Harris is more predictable, adding that China would prefer to deal with a more predictable administration.

By Saeed Mahmoud
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff