China’s Middle East Policy

Adan Rabbani Khokhar

China’s policies towards the Middle East mark a very important milestone over the past two decades. Earlier, China was exclusively interested in energy, oil, and gas trade in the Middle East with the Gulf countries. But today, China is not only limited to being an energy consumer in the Middle East but is also interested in seeking security and diplomacy in the region. From working on the CPEC to establishing military presence in the Red Sea and expanding the Belt and Road investment, China is expanding its diplomatic relations across multiple fields to maintain its position.  China has rapidly emerged as an economic, political and security actor in the Middle East.

China has moved beyond oil imports to strategic investments in green tech, infrastructure, and smart city projects in the Gulf.

China imports nearly 50% of its oil from the Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and UAE), with the title of being the largest importer of Middle Eastern oil. This is regarded as a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy and a major driver of its increasing geopolitical interference. This economic trade has turned China from a passive energy consumer into a proactive strategic player in the Middle East. Furthermore, China is also involved in building projects with countries in the Middle East. China and Saudi Arabia are working on Green tech investments, Supply Chain infrastructure, and Smart city MOUs to collaborate on different projects and promote a neat environment. UAE also has bilateral trade of about 75 billion dollars with China, with over 15,500 Chinese companies operating in the UAE.

China is focusing on improving its security relations in the Middle East to protect its core economic and strategic interests. Unlike the U.S, which has only focused on military alliances, China is following a “win-win” model of non-interference and economic cooperation. The Middle East is also an important crossroad for BRI, with major projects of ports, railways, and other projects across the region. So China needs to secure the region to ensure its multi-billion-dollar trade passing through the region smoothly and safely. China is not directly replacing the U.S, but taking steps to maintain its hegemony and position in the world order. China is selling weapons and drones to the Gulf countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This provides these nations with an alternative to acquire weapons and maintain good economic and diplomatic relations with China.

For decades, the Middle East has been a vital platform of diplomacy for U.S and other Western powers. But from past few decades, China has stepped into the Middle East with a different diplomatic approach. China is not only acting as a direct strategic player but also acting as a mediator in the Middle East. During the Saudi-Iran conflict, many countries tried to act as a mediator to solve the issue but failed to find a solution. China on the other hand, successfully addressed the Saudi-Iran rapprochement 2023, leading to the opening of embassies once again after 7 years.

Beijing’s mediation in the 2023 Saudi–Iran rapprochement elevated its diplomatic credibility in the region.

This successful mediation further increased the diplomatic value of China among the Middle Eastern countries. President of China, Mr. XI Jinping introduced and promoted the Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a new vision for security based dialogue and cooperation. China uses this initiative to maximize its diplomatic relations with Middle Easter countries and stabilize the region. Currently regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, China is continuously engaging diplomatically on the Palestine issue supporting two state solution. China also hosted the reconciliation talks with Palestine factions, this stance further increased the value and credibility of China and aligns it with the Arab world.

China’s diplomatic approach in the Middle East is guided by pragmatic approach focused on its economic and strategic interests. China has built strong trusted relationships with Middle Eastern countries with the concept of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries. China promotes a multipolar world where power is not concentrated in a single nation. It works with various organizations to solve problems, rather than creating exclusive alliances.  China’s diplomatic efforts include its mediation in the Saudi-Iran deal and its support for two state solution in the Israel Palestine conflict in the region.

The author is a IR scholar from National University of Modern Languages. Further experienced as a research intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporations. A media intern at Federal Tax Ombudsman, Pakistan Television, FM 101, and a public relations intern at ISPR. Also serving as the current President of Wall of Hope NUML chapter and Campus Director at Strategic Youth Paradigm, as well as the student ambassador at IDP and International Model United Nations (IMUN). Additionally a well-known personality for social work.