MIDDLE EAST HAS SINCE LONG BEEN DOMINATED BY USA & EUROPE. HOWEVER, LIKE IN EVERY OTHER SPHERE OF INFLUENCE, CHINA HAS EMERGED AS A MAJOR ALTERNATIVE. HERE'S HOW.
Middle East has been the world's most volatile regions since decades. Important events like USA's Desert Storm mission & the Arab Spring have added layers of chaos & turmoil. I have extensively researched about China's increasing role in this region and these are my key takeaways or important points in no particular order:
Its important to note at the beginning that China serves no direct threat to American interests in this region atleast so far. It has avoided taking any sides or aligning against USA.
The Chinese have only focused on issues like trade, energy, infrastructure and investment. It has laid emphasis of its belief in "harmony by development" rather than "harmony by democracy" in stark contrast to the Western nations. This implies China will not meddle in internal affairs of these nations & not give incitement to democratic elements in these countries.
Infographic of China-Middle East trade (as on 2014)
China believes Middle East will have a multipolar order i.e. more than one regional powers. Here also it differs from US which has supported Saudi Arabia openly.
The Chinese have been smart enough to make use of American security in this region to advance its own trade & protect its investments.
US military bases in Middle East- Also used by Chinese to protect their interests
China's One Belt One Road Initiative envisions the Middle East as a major trading core of the world. China has also fused OBOR with regional projects like Vision 2030 (By Mohammed Bin Salman, King Of Saudi Arabia). Thus there has been an integration of developmental efforts cementing co-operation and increasing the pace of project completion.
OBOR map
For Middle East, China is a competing intermediary providing option in case of American withdrawal (which seems likely if Trump is re-elected).
As the world faces Middle East fatigue, Chinese investment has increased exponentially deepening ties between them.
Increasing Chinese investment in ME
Energy has been the core of this partnership. China has invested in nuclear power plants (commercial/non-military) to diversify ME's dependence on non-renewable resources. On the other hand, export of oil & gas to China along with investment to build compatible infrastructure has also increased. Thus, its a win-win situation for both the parties.
China has also provided cutting edge tech to this region. China's satellite system 'Beidou' with many Arab states lauding its precision. Huawei has also started work on a 5G network in this region.
If America withdraws its security forces from the middle east, China will be forced to deploy its own against its wishes in order to protect its citizens & assets. As of now, the PLA has already acquired a military base in Djibouti & the navy has successfully executed anti-piracy operations in the horn of Africa.
I CHANGED THE FORMAT A BIT FOR THIS ARTICLE TO MAKE IT MORE INFORMATIVE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENT BELOW.
SEE YOU TOMORROW.
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