Xi’s article that preceded his historic visit to the UAE was published on Emirati, Chinese and international newspapers. Analysing the article, I came out with political conclusions as well as statistical ones. The analysis aims at deeply understanding China’s strategy in building cooperation with friendly countries.
The Chinese president spoke of the important features of the next phase of implementing the Belt and Road Initiative. He considered that a new process and new tasks require resolute and courageous leaders to build a better world.
The Chinese leadership understood that the wise Emirati leadership is an ideal partner to implement the Chinese initiative of the century. He pointed to the responsiveness of the Arab and Gulf States to the initiative. Xi confirmed that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted a visionary statement about the initiative. Jinping considered the initiative to be a basis to “building stronger ties between the Arab world and China in such a modern way as the new Silk Road.” He said that this aspiration is common and that the initiative is a necessary framework. Acceleration and growth in co-operation between the UAE and China does not meet the ambitions of both sides. “We have far greater ambitions,” he said.
The Chinese president began his visit with clear and precise goals. He spent three days in the UAE working on a major strategic goal. His goal is “working with the UAE leaders to draw up a blueprint for China-UAE cooperation so as to unlock its full potentials and advance China-UAE relations at a higher level and speed,” he said. He added that he intends to “build a China-UAE community of shared future in Belt and Road cooperation,” in the best interest of the two peoples.
The phrase ‘hand in hand’, which topped the title of the article, was significant. It was a vivid embodiment of the purpose of the visit and the vision of the two countries for fruitful cooperation. The two sides agreed upon a comprehensive strategic partnership. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was keen that the visit would be more than an official protocol. It included a family visit by the Chinese President. His Highness said the visit included “nice and special moments filled with a sense of familiarity, passion and good talks brought together myself, my children and my grandchildren with his Highness”. His Highness described the Chinese president in a Tweet as a dear friend. This hint reflected the strong ties between the two leaders in the beginning of a new phase of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Chinese president stressed that partnership should not only be confined to economy and trade cooperation. “China and the UAE need to deepen cooperation in culture, education, tourism, youth, media and other areas, and promote dialogue and mutual learning between religions and civilizations,” said Jinping. He added that China would open a Chinese culture centre in Abu Dhabi. It will also support Dubai to host the first Expo 2020 in the Middle East.
The Chinese president described the partnership as innovative and said it will “champion result-oriented actions”. “Both our nations are known for a trail-blazing spirit and pursuit of excellence. China is implementing its innovation-driven development strategy, and the UAE is acting on its National Innovation Strategy, Energy Strategy 2050 and a six-pillar plan for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our two countries may work in concert to seek new breakthroughs in new- and high-tech cooperation,” he said.
Jinping described the new world saying: “As time marches on, the world changes and evolves into a new one”. These changes follow a Chinese-Emirati concept of development. The Chinese people knew that good does not come on its own. His Highness President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, said “happiness is to be earned through hard work”.
The unique article of the Chinese President highlighted a new chapter of cooperation and win-win UAE-China relations. He did not miss mentioning cooperation to contribute to the interest of the world and future generations.
