Author: Dr. Haytham Mouzahem
Dr. Haytham Mouzahem
Dr. Haytham Mouzahem is a Head of Centre for Asian and Chinese Studies in Beirut, visiting researcher at the China-Arab Studies Center for Reform and Development at Shanghai University of International Studies. Views expressed here are his own.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by Beijing in 2013, has catalyzed a historic transformation in Arab-Chinese relations. This period has seen China ascend to the status of the primary buyer of Arab oil, the main economically, and the foremost investor in the region Since the beginning of 2021, China has been dynamically introducing new initiatives and ideas addressing key Arab issues, setting the stage for the significant China-Arab summit in 2022. The Belt and Road Initiative is poised to offer employment opportunities to tens of thousands of young individuals in Arab nations through various infrastructure and investment projects. China…