China's Role in the Middle East: An Overview of its Economic and Strategic Interests in the Region

Abstract

Middle East has always been a region of strategic interest for the world powers because of its rich natural resources and geographic location. Over the past few decades, China has become much more involved in the region, pursuing expansion of its economic and strategic influence over there. China has been pursuing major investments, business deals, and diplomatic ties in the Middle East via initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This paper looks at the regional influence of China in the Middle East focusing on its core economic interests which are in energy security, commerce, and development of infrastructure for ensuring connectivity. Exploring the key strategic objectives of China, namely military cooperation, diplomatic influence, economic leverage and seeking regional stability, the paper also reflects on how the pursuits of global objectives and economic growth in China has altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, thus providing opportunities as much as challenges to the region and the international actors.