The Economic and Trade Factors in China’s National Image in the Arab Countries

Abstract: In the context of globalization, although governments maintain the leading role in shaping the image of states, the increasing bilateral economic and trade exchanges are gradually becoming an equally important, if not more important, element. The recent years have witnessed a continuous growth of trade between China and Arab countries – a newly established crucial trading partner and platform for practicing the “going-out” strategy. Thanks to both sides complimenting each other, a positive win-win situation has been achieved. However, as more and more Chinese merchandises and enterprises have entered the Arab world, certain problems have emerged, such as poor quality of merchandises, illegal operation of enterprises, and difficulties of certain Chinese employees integrating into local life. These economic and trade elements have become key factors in shaping China’s image in the Arab countries, and hence should not be left unattended.