China’s Growing Presence in the Arab World

‘‘Over the last 5 years, China’s popularity among Arab youth has increased dramatically; the rising super power has secured a position among the region’s top 5 countries seen as allies, a list which for years has been dominated by Arab countries and the United States. In the last six editions of the ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, China has moved from not being among the top 5 countries seen as allies in 2018 and the years prior, to placing 4th consecutively in 2020 and 2021 – ranking first on the region’s list of top five non-Arab nations considered as allies in 2022, a position it held for three consecutive years before it was surpassed by Turkey in 2023.

China’s ascension to the list of top 5 countries seen as allies by Arab youth in recent years may appear to be out of the blue, but it is far from a fluke, in fact, this is undoubtedly the outcome of almost two decades of unflinching efforts the Asian giant has commitment to promote trade and investments, complemented by its prowess in regional conflict mediation in recent months. From 2005 to 2022, China invested more than US$6.7 billion in the MENA region – over the period, China has contributed significantly to efforts dedicated to bridge infrastructure gaps, foster socio-economic development and position the Arab world as an attractive destination for global investments. China’s colossal and consistent effort, over the specified period has attracted the admiration of all and sundry, including the Arab youth (below the age of 30), who account for around 60 percent of the Arab world’s total population.’’ – Excerpt from the Ghana Centre for China Studies (GCCS) publication titled ‘‘China’s rising popularity among Arab youth.’’

OUR PUBLICATIONS

1. China’s rising popularity among Arab youth.