China’s Cultural Communication with the Middle East under the BRI: Assessment and Prospects

Introduction the need to change traditional thinking, observe

the Middle East from the perspective of weakened HISTORICAL CONFLICTS IN THE MIDDLE geopolitics, strengthen partnerships, and respect

East have long complicated matters. Especially the Middle East’s characteristics, models, and roa-

after the outbreak of the Arab Spring, the fun- ds (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s

damental interests of the region became more Republic of China, 2021). The Chinese media also

complex and changeable, reflecting the differen- alleges that the hour hand of China’s diplomacy

ces between religious sects and cultures as well now points to “Middle East time” (Qin, 2021Qin (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

as the power competition between global and re- China adheres to cultural communication as a

gional powers in the region. All these situations link to other regions and strives to promote the

have challenged the smooth implementation and exchange and integration of different civilizati-

development of the BRI in the Middle East. From ons in the Middle East. It has contributed much

24-30th March 2021, the Chinese Foreign Minis- to reducing geopolitical and economic factors,

ter, Wang Yi, visited six countries in the Middle and increasing the dialogue between civilizations

East to put forward a Five-Point Initiative to ac- through its commitment to the in-depth develop-

hieve security and stability. Wang Yi emphasized ment of the BRI in the Middle East.

Ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2018. (Xinhua, 2018Xinhua (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

With descriptive case study methodology, this and Crusades, Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western

article revolves around these questions: How do Regions, Marco Polo’s eastward journey to the disco-

China’s cultural communication mechanisms very of the New World by Columbus, and Zheng He’s

work? Why does China’s cultural communication voyages to the West, exchanges were the driving for-

play an essential role in the Middle East under the ce and motivator in forming culture (Ran & Hong,

BRI? What is its characteristics? To answer these 2018). Human history is a magnificent picture of

questions, the article is structured in three parts. mutual exchange, mutual learning, and integration

The first part will outline the role of cultural com- of different civilizations. China upholds the princip-

munication in Chinese diplomacy, based on cultu- le of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and

ral communication, to jointly build the BRI. The shared benefits and insists on building the BRI into a

second part will focus on Chinese communication civilized road. China advocates the notion that exc-

with the Middle East through cooperation related hanges should transcend the barriers of civilizations,

to the pandemic, tourism, Confucius Institutes, that mutual learning should transcend the conflicts

and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. of civilizations, and that the coexistence of civilizati-

The third part will highlight China’s cultural com- ons should transcend the superiority of civilizations

munication with Chinese characteristics in the (Ping, 2017Ping (2017). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In recent years, China has focused on

Middle East. improving cultural exchange and cooperation mec-

hanisms and platforms, building cultural exchange The Position of Cultural Communication in brands, promoting the prosperity and development China’s Diplomacy of cultural industries, and improving cultural trade

The formation and development of culture are inse- cooperation. A community with a shared future will

parable from the practice of communication. Cul- promote the high-quality construction of the BRI

ture, in a broad sense, not only refers to spiritual (Liang & Hong, 2018Liang & Hong (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.) Under the BRI, China’s foreign

products but also material products. Historically, in cultural exchanges benefit the overall diplomatic stra-

Alexander the Great’s eastern expeditions, the expan- tegy. China’s overall diplomacy includes public diplo-

sion of the Roman Empire, the Arab Empire’s “jihad” macy and government diplomacy.

Government diplomacy represents official exc- calls for policy coordination, infrastructure connecti-

hanges between state leaders, between the Ministry vity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and pe-

of Foreign Affairs, which represents national sovere- ople-to-people ties (a five-pronged approach)” (The

ignty, and the corresponding departments of foreign State Council Information Office the People’s Repub-

governments. Public diplomacy refers to various ways lic of China, 2020: par. 2). The smooth implementati-

for foreign exchanges to take place in addition to go- on of the first four-pronged approach cannot be rea-

vernment diplomacy. The most significant difference lized without the people’s support. China strengthens

between public diplomacy and government diplo- friendly exchanges between people and expects to

macy is whether the participants can handle foreign enhance mutual understanding and traditional frien-

affairs on behalf of the country. Public diplomacy ac- dship by laying a solid social foundation for regional

tors include governments, civil organizations, social cooperation. These people-to-people ties have attrac-

groups, social elites, and the public at multiple levels. ted widespread attention from domestic and foreign

Although there is no internationally accepted defi- media and scholars.

nition of public diplomacy, there are three points in common: Culture is the carrier of people-to-

n The government leads it. people communication, which is

n It targets foreign governments and the foreign why cultural communication is an

public. effective way to promote people-

n It aims to improve the image of the country to-people communication

(Zheng, 2011Zheng (2011). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

The BRI runs through Asia, Europe, and Africa, Culture is the carrier of people-to-people commu-

and its scale of construction framework and invest- nication, which is why cultural communication is an

ment strength reveals the fact that relying on any effective way to promote people-to-people commu-

diplomatic method alone is not the best choice. Only nication (Xiu, 2020Xiu (2020). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). At the Opening Ceremony of

by being good at combining the two forms of govern- the Second Belt and Road Forum for International

ment diplomacy and public diplomacy can we achieve Cooperation, China’s President Xi stated that “We

political mutual trust, economic integration, and cul- need to build bridges for exchanges and mutual le-

tural tolerance through the BRI and create a commu- arning among different cultures, deepen cooperation

nity of interests, destiny, and responsibility. in education, science, culture, sports, tourism, health,

Friendship, which derives from close conta- and archaeology, strengthen exchanges between par-

ct between the people, holds the key to sound sta- liaments, political parties, and non-governmental or-

te-to-state relations. People-to-people connectivity is ganizations, and exchanges between women, young

the social foundation and public opinion foundation people and people with disabilities to facilitate mul-

of the BRI. In March 2015, the National Development ti-faceted people-to-people exchanges” (Ping, 2021Ping (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.).

and Reform Commission of China, the Ministry of As of April 2021, China has signed more than 200

Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Commerce of cooperation documents for the joint construction of

China jointly “issued a white paper entitled, Joining the BRI with 140 countries and 31 international orga-

Hands to Build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st nizations (Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Century Maritime Silk Road – Vision and Actions. It in the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2021).

The BRI has become a popular international public al Development Strategy”, Qatar’s “2030 National

product and the largest cooperation platform. Vision”, Bahrain’s “2030 Economic Development

Communication in Middle East Diplomacy ment Strategy”, Kuwait’s “2035 New Kuwait”, Oman’s

“2040 Vision”, and other national mid-term or long-

The Middle East was once a civilization highland in term development strategies. They are all committed

human history, but it has turned into a “safe depressi- to solving the “governance deficit” plaguing Arab

on” in the world’s eyes due to long-term regional conf- countries, such as a single economic structure, lag-

licts and turbulence. Since the outbreak of the Arab ging industrial development, and high unemploy-

Spring in 2010, this change has not only led to political ment of youth (Zhang, 2019Zhang (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

upheavals in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria, but also from West to East, from Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, and Sudan in North Africa to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine in West Asia. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and more than 20 countries in the Arab world in the Middle East, except Qatar and the UAE, all have different degrees of social and political turbulence (Hua, 2018Hua (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Such widespread social and political change will profoundly and extensively affect internal and external politics in regional countries, thereby reshaping international relations in the Middle East and even the world. Seeking change and governance amidst chaos has become the urgent desi-

re of the governments and people of Middle Eastern The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in the

countries. UAE, displayed encouraging slogans such as “Come

on, Wuhan!.” (Wuhàn jiāyóu!). (Xinhua, 2020Xinhua (2020). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.) China’s Middle East diplomacy in the new era

requires an understanding of the Middle East’s issues First, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China and

to shift from emphasizing conflicts and contradicti- the Middle Eastern countries joined hands to fight the

ons in the past to the emphasis on governance and pandemic, deepening their friendship in response to

development nowadays (Jian, 2016Jian (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). China’s Middle the public health crisis. It not only enhanced mutu-

East diplomacy targets are directed primarily towar- al trust but also opened up new areas of cooperation,

ds 23 countries in West Asia and North Africa, of culminating in China and the Middle Eastern count-

which 19 are Arab countries. Arab countries make ries reaching an agreement on vaccine research and

up the main body of the Middle East countries. The development cooperation. King Salman of Saudi Ara-

BRI is highly compatible with the development stra- bia was the first foreign head of state to call President

tegies of Arab countries, such as Morocco’s “Eco- Xi Jinping to support China’s fight against the pande-

nomic Takeoff Plan” and “2014--2020 Industrial mic. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Zarif, was the first

Revitalization Plan Development Strategy”, Saudi foreign minister to support China’s fight against the

Arabia’s “Vision 2030”, the UAE’s “2030 Industri- pandemic openly.

The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in the taking concrete actions to promote the fair and rea-

UAE, displayed encouraging slogans such as “Come sonable distribution of global vaccines and earnestly

on, Wuhan!” (Wuhàn jiāyóu!). Turkey was one of the implements its solemn commitment to make vaccines

first countries to provide medical assistance to China, a global public product.

and President Erdogan even broadcasted the vaccina-

tion process on live television. These actions deeply Tourism plays a unique role in

moved the Chinese people during their most challen- promoting unimpeded trade and

ging moments. people-to-people bonds in countries

After the outbreak of pandemic in the Middle East, along the route.

China promptly provided a large number of anti-viral

materials to regional countries and dispatched more Second, tourism is a leading industry for Chi-

than one hundred medical expert teams to 9 count- na to promote the BRI’s establishment. It plays a

ries in the region. More than 60 video conferences unique role in promoting unimpeded trade and

with health experts have been held in countries in the people-to-people bonds in countries along the rou-

same region. According to the information released te. At the tourist source markets, both China and

by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General the Middle East countries have great potential for

Administration of Customs, China has provided more tourism development. According to the China Na-

than 500 million doses of vaccines to more than 100 tional Tourism Administration, during the 13th

countries and international organizations around the Five-Year Plan period, China would transport 150

world, equivalent to one-sixth of the total global vac- million Chinese tourists and 200 billion U.S. dollars

cine production. In addition, the Chinese government into tourism consumption to countries along the

also supports Chinese vaccine companies in techno- BRI (The State Council of the People’s Republic of

logy transfer to developing countries. Currently, they China, 2015). Moreover, the cooperation between

have launched cooperative production with Middle China and the Middle East in the Islamic tourism

Eastern countries such as Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt industry has also enhanced both side’s cultural awa-

(Feng & Lin, 2021Feng & Lin (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). reness. By strengthening cooperation with multina-

In response to Western accusations of China’s “vac- tional tourism groups in Middle Eastern countries,

cine diplomacy”, Turkey’s Ambassador to China, Ab- China is steadily improving domestic Islamic tou-

dulkadir Emin Önen, said Turkey strives to maintain a rism infrastructure. In addition, China and the Arab

close dialogue with China on vaccine production and countries cooperate in tourism with information

supply. He also highlighted that every country should technology, which mainly includes two major areas:

carry out vaccine cooperation, and diplomacy should Tourism cooperation on the internet and the joint

be contributed to a global fight against the pandemic. construction and sharing of tourism information

Turkey’s President Erdogan has also repeatedly emp- (Xiao, 2016Xiao (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Internet technology has an important

hasized that political and commercial interests should impact on the tourism industry, and internet-based

be put aside from vaccine affairs and that vaccines tourism information services have become an essen-

should be regarded as human public property (Feng & tial means of global tourism business development

Lin, 2021). To promote the availability and affordabi- and tourism marketing, especially in the pandemic

lity of vaccines in developing countries, China is now period.

Third, the Confucius Institute, as a language ins- ber of people learning and using Chinese is nearly

titution, cultural institution, and scientific research 200 million (People’s Daily, 2020People’s Daily (2020). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). On 25th January,

institution, carries the task of introducing the Chi- the United Nations World Tourism Organization

nese language to the world, disseminating Chinese (UNWTO) announced that Chinese had become

culture, and enhancing exchanges between different the official language of the organization. This furt-

cultures. It plays an essential role in Chinese cultural her enhanced the authoritative effect of Chinese

exchanges with the Middle East. as an official text in international communications

The first Confucius Institute to open in the Midd- and the credibility of international communications

le East was at St. Joseph’s University in Lebanon in (The Centre for Language Education and Coopera-

2007. In 2018, the development of Chinese in Tur- tion, 2021).

key had moved from a niche to the public. The Turkish Ministry of Education decided to offer optional Chinese courses in Turkish junior high schools in the 2018 academic year; Turkey’s Ankara University and Erciyes University even established a Department of Sinology (Yang & Chun, 2018Yang & Chun (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In the 2020-2021 academic year, the UAE Chinese Language Teaching Program offers Chinese courses in 119 public schools, with 210 Chinese teachers on the job and 31,538 Chinese learners, accounting for 10% of the total number of students in public schools. The UAE became the first Arabic-speaking country to incorporate Chinese into its national education system. 70 countries worldwide have included Chinese in their national education systems (The Centre for Language Education and Cooperation, 2020The Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (2020). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). In 2002, the Confucius Institute established the first At present, there are approximately 25 million people “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition outside of China who are learning Chinese. (CGTN, 2015CGTN (2015). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.) for Foreign College Students. It has run continuous-

ly for almost 20 years, and tens of thousands of con- Fourth, the China-Arab States Cooperation Fo-

testants from more than 70 countries participate in rum is a platform to increase diverse cultural activi-

the competition. ties that effectively promote the overall development

“Chinese mania” is sweeping the world. Althou- of China-Arab cultural exchanges. Since the establis-

gh the development of the tourism industry has not hing of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum

fully recovered from the pandemic, the “mania” dri- in 2004, it has organized the Sino-Arab Civilization

ven by the considerable tourism market potential Dialogue Symposium eight times, Arab Arts Festi-

has not been affected by this. At present, there are vals four times, Press Cooperation Forums four ti-

approximately 25 million people outside of China mes, Radio and Television Cooperation Forums four

who are learning Chinese, and the cumulative num- times, and the Think Tank Forum two times.

The ever-increasing political mutual trust and dramatically expanded the depth and breadth of co-

the increasingly close economic and trade exchan- operation between China and Middle Eastern count-

ges between China and countries of the Middle East ries in building the BRI and has contributed Chinese

have also injected a strong impetus into the cultural strength and wisdom to the peaceful development of

exchanges between the two sides. The China-Arab the Middle East.

Friendship Conference is an essential non-gover- The Characteristics of China’s Cultural

nmental exchange platform under the China-Arab Communications with the Middle East

States Cooperation Forum. It plays a vital role in

deepening the traditional friendship between China In the new era, China’s cultural exchanges with the

and Arab countries and promoting the people-to-pe- Middle East must change its traditional thinking, re-

ople bond between the two sides. Moreover, the Chi- move the prejudices of Orientalism and the absolu-

na-Arab States Cooperation Forum should play an tism of the conflict of civilizations theory to apply the

effective role in strengthening exchanges and dialo- BRI to find ways of cultural exchanges suitable for it-

gues, in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, self. In exchanges between different cultures, cultural

and in working together to build a community with identity is formed through mutual learning. Mutual

a shared future, making new and more remarkable learning is the prerequisite for realizing people-to-pe-

contributions to the peace and development of hu- ople bonds and the significance of cultural exchanges.

mankind. A peaceful and civilized future ultimately depends

on the understanding and cooperation between the

Although the BRI originated in China, politics, spirits, and intellectual leaders of the wor-

the opportunities and fruits belong ld’s major civilizations. In 2014, President Xi Jinping

to the world. proposed that “China must have its characteristics of

major-country diplomacy” (Ping, 2017Ping (2017). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Under the

Although the BRI originated in China, the oppor- BRI, the geopolitical and cultural differences in the

tunities and fruits belong to the world. Just like Presi- Middle East determine that China’s cultural exchan-

dent Xi said, “The BRI is a sunny avenue for everyone ges with the Middle East must also be unique.

to move forward hand in hand, not a private path of First, China must adhere to mutual learning betwe-

one party. All interested countries can join in, parti- en different civilizations. In 2014, President Xi Jinping

cipate, cooperate and benefit together” (Ping, 2021Ping (2021). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). mentioned at the 60th Anniversary Meeting of the

After 40 years of reform and development, China Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, “We must

and the Middle East have focused on mutual support respect the diversity of civilizations, promote diffe-

in politics. In the mid-term, emphasis was placed on rent civilizations’ exchanges and dialogues, peaceful

developing energy-centric economic relations and coexistence. We must not stand alone or belittle other

expanding the current political, economic, security, civilizations or nations. Human history tells us that at-

cultural, and other all-around cooperation in mul- tempting to establish a single civilization to dominate

tiple fields (Jian, 2018Jian (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). The performance of China’s the world is just unrealistic.” China is a multi-ethnic

Middle East foreign policy has changed from overall country, and no one knows better than China how im-

detachment to operational performance. Among portant it is to maintain the harmonious coexistence

them, the use of cultural exchanges as the glue has of diverse cultures to the stability of a country.

The Middle East is a place where all the major civilizations of the world gather and blend. The interaction, integration, and symbiosis between different nations, cultures, and religions represent the historical tradition of the Middle East. In cultural exchanges with the Middle East, China attaches great importance to the mutual learning and coexistence of different civilizations and supports Middle Eastern civilizations’ inheritance, development, and innovation. Moreover, China disagrees with cultural hegemony and prejudice and insists on making joint efforts with countries of the Middle East to promote

diversity within civilizations. Only through drawing Confucius Institute carries the task of introducing the

Chinese language to the world, disseminating Chinese

on the outstanding achievements of civilizations cre- culture, and enhancing exchanges between different

ated by different countries and nations can civilizati- cultures. (CGTN, 2018CGTN (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

on advance with the times to continuously increase In this regard, China has put forward Five-Po-

the driving force for development int Initiatives to realize security and stability in the

Second, China must actively shoulder the Middle East:

responsibility of being a great power. As China’s in- n Advocate mutual respect and respect for the

ternational status and influence gradually increase, Middle East’s characteristics, models, and roads.

the international community and Middle Eastern n Persist in fairness and justice to resolve the Pa-

countries hope China will play a more proactive lestinian-Israeli issue.

role in the Middle East. In this regard, China must n Achieve nuclear non-proliferation, encourage

respond to these expectations by taking responsi- the United States and Iran to reach an agreement on

bility for peace and development. Actively taking the nuclear issue as soon as possible.

on responsibility is an important symbol of China’s n Jointly build collective security, accounting for

practice of great power diplomacy (Xiang & Han, the concerns of all parties.

2020). Democratization in the Middle East has ex- n Accelerate development and cooperation to

perienced a slow course of exploration for decades achieve long-term peace and stability in the Middle

after World War II. With the fierce confrontation East (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s

between strengthening the authoritative regime Republic of China, 2021).

and advancing democratic politics, the process has China will stick to abandoning the zero-sum

been interrupted from time to time, and there have game and become a defender of peace and stability,

repeatedly been setbacks and bumps. Relative to a promoter of joint development, and a defender of

the pace of global political evolution, democratic fairness and justice in the Middle East.

politics in the Middle East are behind other deve- Third, China must commit to developing part-

loping areas (Hua, 2018Hua (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). Especially after the outb- nerships in diplomatic relations. China’s Middle East

reak of the Arab Spring, the conflicts in the Middle diplomacy has always adhered to the idea of partner-

East have become more complex and changeable. ship and non-alignment.

China adopts these three principles in the Midd- fit, and applying a win-win approach represents the

le East: China does not find agents but persuades hidden logic of Chinese diplomacy. China’s partner

peace and promotes talks; China does not engage diplomacy in the Middle East has objectively weake-

in spheres of influence but encourages everyone to ned the influence of the alliance of major powers in

join the Belt and Road circle of friends; and China the region and played as the soft check and balance

does not seek to fill the “vacuum” in the region but against hegemony and unilateralism.

weaves mutually beneficial and win-win partners- Conclusion hips throughout (Tai, 2018Tai (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). China’s partnership in

the Middle East has two forms: multilateral and bi- Cultural cooperation plays a vital role in promoting

lateral. The multilateral form refers to the League of high-quality development of the BRI, attracting

Arab States (22 Arab countries), the African Union more countries, regions, and international orga-

(10 African Arab countries), the Gulf Arab States nizations to participate, forming a greater interna-

Cooperation Council (the six Gulf Arab countries), tional consensus, and other visible achievements

and the Arab Maghreb Union (Libya, Tunisia, Al- that benefit more countries and people. Eight years

geria, Morocco, and Mauritania (5 countries), and have passed since Chinese President Xi proposed

the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (57 mem- the BRI in 2013. There are uncountable problems

ber states). Bilateral form refers to China’s bilateral in a world composed of different cultures, races,

partner diplomacy with Middle Eastern countries, skin colors, religions, and social systems. However,

such as Algeria (2014), Egypt (2014), Saudi Arabia differences can coexist peacefully and develop jo-

(2016), Iran (2016), and the United Arab Emirates intly, which is the answer given by China’s cultural

(UAE) (2018) (Gang, 2019Gang (2019). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). communication and China insists on using actual

actions to prove it. Conflicts between civilizations

Seeking common ground while are not absolute. Promoting the coexistence of di-

reserving differences, maintaining verse cultures is the prerequisite and basis for Chi-

mutual benefit, and applying a win- na’s foreign cultural exchanges under the BRI.

win approach represents the hidden The development of the BRI as a glue that con-

nects different civilizations in the Middle East is logic of Chinese diplomacy. a concrete manifestation of China’s insistence on

The creation of this partnership network has pla- abandoning blind admiration of national nihi-

ced China without a historical burden in the Middle lism, narrow-minded national xenophobia, and

East and has demonstrated neutrality, fairness, and self-conceit centralism. The five-thousand-year

non-interference in internal affairs as a good partner Chinese “和” (He) tradition determines the prin-

(Kemal, 2018Kemal (2018). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.). China’s partner diplomacy with the ciples of extensive consultation, joint construction,

Middle East focuses on the future, firstly integrating and sharing to build the BRI. Although the BRI is

the countries in the Middle East into a community of not enough to solve all the problems, it represents

interests, forming a security community through the China’s response to the challenges. The BRI is an

community of interests, and finally evolving into a open and inclusive platform for cooperation and

community of values. Seeking common ground whi- an international public product jointly created by

le reserving differences, maintaining mutual bene- all countries in the world.

As a latecomer to global governance, under the this era, when peace and development are still main

background of the BRI, China looks forward to de- themes, China needs to develop itself by maintai-

veloping and broadening its cultural exchanges with ning world peace and maintain world peace through

China persists in answering the “Question of the its development. Acknowledgement: This article is

Middle East” with practical actions and has contri- supported by funding from the “Key Project of Phi-

buted Chinese experience and wisdom to building losophy and Social Sciences of Ministry of Educati-

a more open, inclusive, fair, and just Middle East. In on of China” (17JZD036).

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