Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN-GCC-China summit, set to commence today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, holds exceptional significance as it is anticipated to mark a strategic turning point in advancing regional cooperation and fostering more integrated partnerships between the three parties.
According to Qatar News Agency, the summit comes amid changing regional and international dynamics, with cooperation between the GCC countries and China witnessing a significant acceleration. Coordination with Southeast Asian countries is also increasing, enhancing opportunities for building balanced and sustainable partnerships.
In recent years, Gulf-Chinese relations have developed rapidly, positioning China as the primary trade partner of the GCC countries in many vital sectors, especially energy, infrastructure, and technology. The volume of trade exchange between the two sides exceeded $279 billion in 2023, reflecting the depth of economic relations and highlighting the potential for future expansion.
In December 2022, the summit of GCC leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping established the foundations for this cooperation by adopting the Joint Action Plan for the period of 2023-2027. This plan covers the fields of politics, economy, environment, and culture.
The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) serves as an additional platform for exchanging views and enhancing coordination with GCC countries, particularly through its most prominent mechanism, the regular ministerial meeting held every two years. Cooperation frameworks are expanding to include more advanced areas such as peaceful nuclear energy, as the two parties seek to develop a partnership in this field that enhances energy security in the GCC countries and supports long-term Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This expansion coincides with the increasing volume of Chinese investments in the GCC countries, which span various vital sectors, from industry to technology. This is reflected by the Chinese city of Xiamen hosting the China-GCC Countries Forum on Industry and Investment Cooperation in May 2024.
At the political level, remarkable similarities emerge between the two sides on many regional and international issues, including the Palestinian issue. Both sides share support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.