2025 Review: China-Arab Relations Reach "Strategic Maturity" Ahead of the Landmark 2026 Summit

The year 2025 has marked a transformative phase in China-Arab relations, characterized by deepened political trust and robust economic synergy. Experts emphasize that the partnership has matured beyond trade into a comprehensive alliance, bolstered by high-level diplomacy, including Vice President Han Zheng’s Gulf tour and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent December missions to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

On the economic front, bilateral trade continues its upward trajectory (exceeding $407 billion), with Chinese investments in Saudi Arabia surging by 29% in 2024. The "Belt and Road Initiative" has evolved to prioritize green energy, digital economy, and infrastructure, aligning with Gulf national visions. Politically, China’s "Global South" framework—defined by non-interference and mutual respect—has positioned Beijing as a credible mediator in regional conflicts. As preparations for the Second China-Arab Summit in 2026 gather pace, the relationship is set to become a global model for sustainable South-South cooperation.