“a Goose Feather Sent from a Thousand Miles Away”
Comoros, an Arab country consisting of three volcanic islands in eastern Africa, has donated 100 euros (about 760 yuan) to support China's fight against the epidemic. In 1996, the Comoros was recognized by the United Nations as one of the least developed countries in the world and now it is still among them.
“a Goose Feather Sent from a Thousand Miles Away”, such a story seems to be far from the Law of the Jungle in realist writing, and it really happens today between China and Arab countries. People felt moved and remembered the land of the moon.
CARC, where the author worked in has recently received 25 letters of sympathy from Arab officials, think tanks and media in the Arab countries. They have participated in Arab Officials Seminar, had in-depth exchanges with Chinese officials, experts, scholars and entrepreneurs, and conducted field research.
Iraqi official Isam Albaram, Participants of the eighth seminar, director of the Division of Administrative Supervision and Administration of the League of Arab States, said: “Support for the Chinese people to win the war without smoke.” Alaa Aldeek, participant of the First China-Arab Political Party Seminar, member of the Central Committee of the Palestine Popular Struggle Front (FLPP), wrote in the letter, The measures taken by China to combat the epidemic also reflect the specific connotation of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind. You are the people who write history and protect humanitarianism Coexistence and Win-win Spirit
Muhsen Ismandr, a participant of the ninth seminar, worked at EU headquarters in Brussels, director of the Office of the Syrian Arab Republic Planning and International Cooperation Agency and doctor of economics. A few days ago, CARC received a letter from him. On the paper was an expert official's support for the Chinese government and people, as well as confidence in the Chinese economy, and more importantly, a true heart from a Syrian friend. Later I learned that this article was written in the Holmes village where the power was cut for six days. The war caused serious power shortage in Syria.
Support Without Exception
In fact, since the outbreak of the NCP in China, Arab countries have expressed sympathies and support to the Chinese people in their fight against the epidemic, appreciated the Chinese government's commitment and ability to respond to the public health crisis, and admired the Chinese people's solidarity and dedication in this crisis. So far, 22 Arab countries have supported China's fight against the epidemic through various channels, and provided China with varying scales of material assistance.
Not long ago, President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with two Arab heads of state, namely King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Qatar Emir Tamim. In addition to communication and support at the political level, the two rich Gulf countries also donated a large number of anti-epidemic materials to China. Qatar Airways announced that it has opened up a green channel for Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, free of charge to carry the anti-epidemic materials raised by Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide.
Just two and a half years ago, Saudi Arabia and other countries suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar on the grounds of supporting terrorism and destroying regional security. So far, normal diplomatic relations have not been restored. The two countries have differences on many regional issues, including relations with Iran, relations with Turkey, and relations with the Muslim Brotherhood, but their generosity and action are surprisinglyaccordant in providing support and assistance to China in fighting the epidemic.
Looking at other Arab countries, although the regional situation is still complex and volatile, and some countries are in a state of internal and external difficulties, from large to small countries, from rich to poor countries, all openly support China's resistance to the epidemic and provide help within its capacity.
Government representatives, parliamentary presentatives, political party representatives and companies, civil society organizations and individuals from various Arab countries have spoken through different channels. Crisis governance shows China's institutional advantages. The experience of the Chinese government in responding to public health crises is worth learning in the world. The Chinese people are very strong. They will unite and cooperate and they will surely succeed in fighting the epidemic. China will be stronger.
A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed
Adversity reveals true friends. The full support of Arab countries for China's anti-epidemic is a reflection of China-Arab strategic partnership in the new era, and it is also an effective test of China's development as its core policy on Arab countries.
Since the change in the Middle East in 2011, many Arab countries have experienced internal turmoil. Some external forces are eager to intervene in helping new people and replacing old people. Such peace and security for the purpose of building a sphere of influence will certainly not last for a long time in the history.
What China sees is the demands of Arab countries for reform and development and the demands of the people on economic and livelihood issues. Only by promoting development and improving people’s life, will the tide of the times not abandon the governor. China's policy toward Arab countries is in line with the trend of the times and should be popular with the people, so that 22 Arab countries have transcended all differences and regard China as a true friend.
This article is selected from Shangguan News
(Author: Zhao Jing, 2020, February 26)