Contemporary Chinese Political Economy and Strategic Relations: An International Journal (Dec 2021)
China-centric Economic Order in Asia: Growing Chinese Presence in the Middle East
Abstract
This study examines the Middle Eastern aspects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the increasing cooperation between certain Arab countries and China. In recent years, it has become apparent that in the midst of changing regional dynamism in the Middle East, China has become a key player in the region, not to mention that the Chinese presence can make significantly contribute to the recovery of Middle Eastern countries from the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. China has increased its presence in the Middle East region over the past few years, and pays special attention to the countries of the Arabian Gulf; in addition, this region accounts for a non-negligible share of Chinese oil imports and is the main supplier of LNG. Because of all these, China established close ties with various Arab states, which are of enormous importance to China in meeting its growing energy needs. In the view of this article, the increase in Chinese influence could lead to significant economic growth in the Middle East, while also reducing the former dominance of the US in the region. This study presents the increasingly intensive trade and economic cooperation between China and certain countries in the Middle East through concrete examples.
