ABU DHABI, 23rd March, 2023 (WAM) — TRENDS Research and Advisory, in cooperation with China Media Group (CMG), organised a symposium titled "Chinese Modernisation: New Opportunities for the Region and the World", with the aim of introducing the concept and pattern of Chinese modernisation as well as the mission of the People's Republic of China, and how this will impact the region and the world.
The symposium also highlighted the development path of the UAE and how it is consistent with Chinese modernisation, which will enhance and drive forward the strategic relations between the two countries.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, stated that the Chinese experience offers lessons to be learned, especially in light of the growing Chinese influence regionally and globally.
He explained that cooperation between research and media institutions has a significant positive impact on educating societies and highlighting successful experiences.
For her part, the moderator of the symposium, Xiang Li, Executive Director of CMG's Middle East Regional Office, pointed out the main features of Chinese modernisation, including its concepts of harmony between man and nature, and call for peace, development and cooperation based on mutual interests.
She said that China and the UAE are on similar paths of future modernisation, focusing on human development and providing a decent life for all their people.
Omar Bitar, former UAE Ambassador to China, reviewed the history of Chinese development, noting that China has adopted its own method of development by relying on the strength of its minds and harmony with its civilisational and material history.
He stated that this modernisation is similar to the path followed by the UAE, which seeks to develop the country while preserving its customs, traditions and societal values. He praised the role of the UAE as an influential country within the international community.
Abdullah Abdul Kareem, Acting Executive Director for News Content at the Emirates News Agency (WAM), highlighted the importance of media cooperation between the UAE and China. He explained the impact that such cooperation would have in bringing points of view closer, especially since the two countries are in the process of enhancing partnerships between them at all levels and in various fields.
He expressed appreciation for the initiatives launched by the China Media Group to strengthen media partnership with Arab countries, including the initiative to enhance exchange and cooperation between Chinese and Arab media outlets, noting the willingness of the UAE to increase cooperation with various Chinese media outlets.
Sultan Majid Al-Ali, Director of the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS Research and Advisory, said that China has strengthened its strategic relations with Gulf countries over the past years, which has enabled positive cooperation in the trade and maritime navigation markets. It has also ensured that both parties benefit from each other’s potential and geographical location to reach new markets, he added.
Najla Al-Zarouni, a non-resident researcher at TRENDS, discussed the Belt and Road initiative, the global development initiative, and the global security initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. She noted that Chinese modernisation is a global model that can be benefited from, especially as it is in line with existing UAE concepts on peace and tolerance.
Khalid Omar bin Qaqah, a writer, researcher and media figure, said that the pattern of Chinese modernisation would provide Arab countries with new paths of development. He pointed out that China and Arab countries share a common history and culture, and that the relations between the two peoples are not based on the economy alone, as there are also many cultural and social aspects that bring the two peoples together.