China has long been considered a regional superpower, with enormous political and economic power. But in recent years, it has taken on a new role in international diplomacy—one in which it is actively engaging with countries in the Middle East. It is a development that has both raised eyebrows and given rise to some new opportunities for the region. In this article, we will take a closer look at how China is using diplomacy to shape its approach in the Middle East, as well as what upcoming trends may be ahead.
What Is China’s Diplomatic Role in the Mideast?
At the heart of China’s diplomatic role in the Middle East is the need to ensure its own regional stability, while in the meantime finding ways to meet the evolving needs of its own growing economies. As a result, the Chinese government has taken specific steps in recent years to become more involved in the region.
Below is a list of some of the initiatives that China has launched in the Middle East:
• Connectivity agreements: In 2016, China entered into a deal with 15 Arab states for the establishment of a “Sino-Arab Economic Corridor” that would support increased investment, trade, and technologies from China.
• Increased energy cooperation: The Chinese have invested heavily in the energy sector abroad, particularly in the Middle East. The Chinese government has signed long-term contracts for the supply of natural gas and oil to its economy, as well as agreements for billions of dollars of investment in oil and gas fields.
• Infrastructure investment: Chinese companies have made billions of dollars of infrastructure investments in the Middle East. These include investments in port facilities and infrastructure in a number of countries, such as Tunisia and Oman, as well as the construction of a new pipeline between Iraq and Jordan.
• Free trade zones: China has also entered into free trade agreements with a number of Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Security cooperation: The Chinese government has established security agreements with Middle Eastern countries, such as a strategic partnership with Qatar and defense cooperation agreements with Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
China’s Growing Influence in the Region
The combination of the initiatives mentioned above has allowed China to increase its influence in the region. In particular, it has helped to create a much more positive view towards Chinese business investments in the Middle East, which has opened up new avenues of economic growth for the region.
At the same time, there is no denying that China has become a major player in the various political and security-related dynamics of the region. As such, Beijing is becoming increasingly involved in the various diplomatic efforts and disputes in the Mideast, often taking sides and providing various forms of assistance and support.
Recent Examples of China’s Diplomatic Engagement in the Middle East
In recent years, China has become increasingly involved in the diplomatic disputes and negotiations occurring in the Middle East. Here are a few examples of China’s diplomatic involvement in the region:
• Syria: China has been involved in the Syrian peace process and nuclear negotiations, as well as international efforts to ensure compliance with the chemical weapons ban.
• Yemen: China is supporting the United Nations-backed peace process in Yemen, which involves a ceasefire, the withdrawal of militias and political reform.
• Iran: China has been involved in international efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. They have also helped facilitate talks between Iran and the U.S., as well as providing economic assistance to the country.
• Israel-Palestine: China has sought to encourage both sides to sit down and negotiate, as well as providing economic assistance for both states.
What’s Next for China in the Middle East?
As China continues to expand its diplomatic involvement in the Middle East, it is likely that some new trends and opportunities will arise. Here are some of the upcoming developments that could shape China’s role in the region over the next few years:
• Increased investment in education and healthcare: China is actively investing in increased education in the region, with a particular focus on medical, technological and business-oriented opportunities. At the same time, the Chinese government is supporting initiatives that focus on improving healthcare standards in the Middle East.
• Increased security cooperation: With ongoing regional insecurity, there is an increased demand for security cooperation between regional countries and China. Beijing is likely to become more involved in security-related initiatives in order to maintain its own regional stability.
• Economic partnerships: China is likely to become even more deeply involved in Middle Eastern economic initiatives. This could include increased investments in power generation, infrastructure and oil and gas production, as well as participation in large trade deals.
While China’s diplomatic endeavors in the Middle East have been met with both positive and negative reactions, it is clear that Beijing’s involvement in the region is growing. With its economic influence and high-level of engagement, China is certainly one of the major geopolitical players in the region. As such, it will be interesting to see how China’s involvement will shape the Middle East in coming years.