Connecting Stories: The Role of Memory Narratives in Promoting the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in the Arab Region
In 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a powerful speech at the Belt and Road Forum, evoking the grandeur of ancient times. He reminded us of the legendary Silk Road, created over 2,000 years ago, and the remarkable journeys of Ibn Battuta, a famous Arab adventurer who travelled this historic route. But why did President Xi bring up these ancient stories? How do they intersect with the political discourse surrounding the promotion of an economic project? What does this mean for Sino-Arab relations?
In tracing the threads of China's relations with Arab states, one finds a narrative steeped in memory and tradition. From the maritime expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He in the early 1400s and the cultural and trade exchanges along the Ancient Silk Road, to the spirit of South-South solidarity echoed at the Bandung Afro-Asian Conference in 1955, these stories evoke a collective memory of enduring connections and shared experiences between China and Arab states.
Memory narratives, within the context of international relations, play a pivotal role in shaping diplomatic interactions and perceptions between nations. These narratives, rooted in collective recollections and interpretations, wield significant influence over how countries perceive each other's historical actions and intentions, contingent upon their construction and interpretation. In this short blog, I endeavor to illuminate the significance of memory narratives, particularly within the domain of Sino-Arab relations. Specifically, I aim to explore the importance of China's memory narratives, and I will explore the role of discursive practices in constructing Chinese-Arab relations through the Belt and Road Initiative.
In our contemporary world, the stories that nations tell can be just as important as their military or economic power. While traditional views focus on power struggles and geopolitics, today’s global interactions are also shaped by the narratives that countries share. It is no longer just about "who holds the power?" but also "whose story wins?"
China’s rise on the global stage comes with contrasting stories. From a Western perspective, rooted in Realism, China’s ascent is seen as potentially disruptive to the established world order. In contrast, China promotes itself as a peaceful force, highlighting the country’s cultural and historical legacy. This includes the teachings of Confucian philosophy and the ancient Silk Road, which emphasize harmony and mutual benefit.
By invoking the Silk Road, China aims to frame its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a modern extension of these ancient trade routes. The Silk Road once connected diverse cultures, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange. Similarly, China argues that the BRI seeks to enhance global cooperation and connectivity today.
China's narrative is particularly resonant in the Arab world. By highlighting shared historical ties and cultural affinities, China portrays itself as a partner in development rather than a hegemonic power. This approach includes diplomatic rhetoric, development assistance, and cultural exchanges, all emphasizing principles like non-interference and mutual benefit.
China's strategic use of historical narratives has helped it build stronger diplomatic ties with Arab countries. By drawing on collective memories and shared experiences, China crafts a story that aligns with the aspirations of these nations. This narrative of peaceful cooperation and mutual development, framed to support initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), helps China position itself as a benevolent partner on the global stage. My ongoing research aims to understand how China leverages collective memory, historical narratives, and memory politics to strengthen diplomatic ties and mutual development projects with Arab countries, specifically within the framework of the BRI. By examining these narratives, I seek to reveal the underlying power dynamics and strategic intentions behind China's discourse toward the Arab region.
China's engagement with the Arab region underscores the importance of storytelling in international relations. By leveraging historical memory and cultural heritage, China not only promotes an image of being a peaceful power but also fosters deeper connections with Arab nations. This strategic use of memory and narrative is crucial in shaping global perceptions and promoting cooperation.
In all these ways, President Xi Jinping’s evocation of the Silk Road and the adventures of Ibn Battuta needs to be understood through their discursive purposes. These historical narratives aim to inspire a modern vision of connectivity and cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. In essence, China’s modern Silk Road is recast not simply as an economic project; but about connecting shared stories across continents, reviving the spirit of collaboration that once made the ancient Silk Road legendary. Through this narrative, China seeks to redefine its role on the global stage, projecting a discourse of shared prosperity and harmonious growth as an integral part of its soft power diplomacy.
* Abdelhamid Mecheri is Lecturer in Politics & International Relations at Boumerdes University (UMBB), Algeria. He can be contacted at a.mecheri@univ-boumerdes.dz This blog was developed through discussions at the Mapping Connections Institute, held in Beirut between 27th – 30th May 2024 as part of the ‘Inter-Asia Week’ (Inter-Asia Partnership). The views expressed are the personal perspectives of the writer and not attributable to the Mapping Connections partner institutions.