Chinese and Middle Eastern Relations

 

The twenty first century has seen a considerable increase in the economic and political influence wielded by China all over the world. This has especially been the case in resource-rich regions, which have essentially become its target because China is one of the largest consumers of raw materials. As the second largest economy in the world, China has sought to capitalize on its position to ensure that it advances both its national and strategic agendas through the attainment of the support of other countries. The attitude and approach adopted by this country towards others has been pragmatic, with the aim of focusing on economic matters rather than politics.

There are several questions that come about because of the potential of China becoming one of the most influential countries in the world in future. Among these is the direction which its relations with Middle Eastern countries will take especially in the wake of a decline in American influence in the region. In addition, there will be need to find out the manner through which China’s megaprojects, such as the Silk Road, which will encompass a considerable part of the Middle East, will affect its relationship with the countries in the region. In order to answer these questions, it will be essential to conduct a study of the developments that have taken place in China’s relations with countries in the Middle East over the years, and the direction towards which they will be heading in future.

The main argument of the paper will be that the role of China in the Middle East will increase considerably over time and that it will be one of the most influential powers in the region. This is based on the assumption that as the United States essentially scales down its influence; China will step in to fill the vacuum. The manner through which the ongoing Gulf Crisis has been handled by the United States has shown its waning influence in the region because it has failed to put its allies in line. China, on the other hand, is a country that will likely diversify from its energy dependency on the region, and instead seek to build bilateral relations with Middle Eastern countries in such a way that there is mutual benefit. Chinese investment is likely to increase, especially considering that some of the oil producers in the region are diversifying their interests in order to survive a decline in export revenues.

The main sources of support for this study will come from a review of the most recent literature concerning the Middle East and China and the way that their relationship has and continues to develop. The analysis of the literature will ensure that there is the development of a perspective concerning the future relations between Middle Eastern countries and China that are apart from the energy trade. It will seek to show that China’s influence in the Middle East is just beginning and that in time, it will become one of the major players in the region.