DIVERSITY MATTERS: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao calls for respect, dialogue and exchange between different cultures in a speech at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt, on November 7 (LI TAO)

In recent years, the virtual distance between China and Middle Eastern nations has shrunk dramatically, thanks to China's growing economic power and international impact. Indeed, China's interests in the Arab world are continuously increasing. Now every important issue occurring in the region is seen as related to China's interests—either directly or indirectly.

In political terms, as a prominent force among developing nations, Arab countries are playing an increasingly critical role in the international arena. Moreover, they share many common interests with China. Both sides, for example, stick to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while opposing hegemony and power politics. Arab nations also champion multilateralism and democracy in international political affairs. Beijing and Middle Eastern capitals, in addition, support the leading role of the UN in global affairs, while emphasizing a peaceful settlement of international disputes. They also enjoy a consensus opposing the use of force and the interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations.

In light of these common points, Arab countries have forged close strategic ties with China. China needs their support and cooperation on issues concerning its major political interests.

In terms of global strategy, Arab nations serve as a powerful barometer with which to gauge the ever-changing nature of international politics. The Arab world has been a strategic focus of the United States, and also a key stage where big powers interact with and constrain one another. For China, it represents a good strategic avenue, one with which China can play the role of a major power.

In terms of economic aspects, the Arab region is an ideal place for China to establish an international presence.

In recent years, notably, the region's economy has maintained a sound momentum of development, thanks to its abundant natural resources and emerging markets. The proven oil reserves of the Middle East, encompassing about 95 billion tons, represent 60 percent of the world's total. Oil production in the region, meanwhile, accounts for 30 percent of the world's total. Its natural gas reserves, in addition, hit about 52.5 trillion cubic meters.

Trade volume between China and Arab countries swelled to $132.8 billion in 2008, up from $36.7 billion in 2004. By the end of 2008, the volume of bilateral project contracts had totaled nearly $100 billion. There clearly exists an enormous potential for economic and trade cooperation between China and Arab countries.

At present, China is making positive efforts to seek economic and trade cooperation with Arab nations, especially in the fields of energy, trade and investment. These would offset the negative outcomes resulting from dwindling trade with Western countries including the United States. In addition, the Middle East is an important market for China to export its labor as well as scientific expertise and military technology.