China: Transforming its Economic Strength into Middle East Political and Military Influence

(With thanks to the Alma Research and Education Center)  

In recent years, and even more so in recent months, China has been accelerating a regional process in the Middle East designed to convert its economic influence into political and possibly military power. There are indications that Beijing is engaged in a process designed to leverage its economic and political strengths to establish a certain military presence in the region as part of a systematic plan to challenge the United States’ position as the regional alliance system’s preeminent superpower.

China is accomplishing all of this without having to assume the American military burden in the region and with few actual risks.

The fact that the United States has attained energy independence (though it is not immune to global energy market influence) and is no longer dependent on Middle Eastern oil imports, whereas China is heavily reliant on such imports, is also a factor in China’s involvement in the region. In the meantime, Iran has established an alternative economy that allows it to export energy to China while circumventing sanctions against it.

Sunni Arab countries’ fear of America’s lack of commitment to their security and the US-led regional agenda drives them into Chinese arms as part of their desire for a de-escalation mechanism with Iran, mediated by China.

China’s expanding presence in the Middle East poses a current and especially future challenge to America’s position as a dominating force in the region.

The full report presents and analyzes the regional situation and China’s strategy in the Middle East. The report explores the process of establishing Chinese influence in a number of case studies: Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and finally Israel. The report also examines American responses to Chinese activity in the region.

In terms of political influence in the region, China is posing a growing challenge to the United States, particularly among pragmatic Sunni-Arab nations, which were previously firmly in the pro-American camp.

These countries (especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), driven by tensions between them and Washington, have increased cooperation with China. These tensions reflect their growing concern about the American commitment to their security.