China’s strategic moves in Mideast could blindside west

 

According to the Europe Asia Foundation, the recent trip to Taiwan by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the ensuing support for China from numerous Middle Eastern nations indicate the shifting political landscape in the area.

The London-based conference argued that China's rapidly expanding influence began with economic participation in the region, such as trade and investment, which should worry western nations, particularly the United States.

Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has subtly collaborated with other nations to create infrastructure in an effort to extend its influence (BRI). Beijing has benefited from the US's alleged withdrawal from West Asia, which has allowed China to intensify its participation in the region.

According to the London-based forum, "China's interest in the Middle East has mostly been economic - as well as to ensure energy supplies - but it is now pivoting to a more strategic focus."

To achieve unrivaled regional commercial domination, China invested 330 billion USD in 2021 and continued to diversify its trading activity there. 2022 was the same as 2021.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman delegations paid a visit to Jiangsu, a coastal region of China, to meet with Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister.

Despite US opposition, Gulf nations' participation in the Beijing Winter Olympics demonstrated China's diplomatic skills.

"As more Chinese goods reach the Middle East recently, trade imbalance has increased. According to analysts, people in the region are growing accustomed to and familiar with Chinese goods, according to a report by Europe and Asia Foundation.

China is expanding its business potential for Middle Eastern nations, strengthening regional relations.

With many nations in the region, China has negotiated a number of tax agreements and bilateral investment treaties that provide fair treatment and protection for foreign investors in order to promote commercial activity and investment. Beijing is also now negotiating free trade deals, according to the forum.

China tries to manage its narrative in the Gulf area in addition to its trading activity.

"Mass opinion surveys in the Arab States show how popular China is, and positive coverage of China in the Arab media is ongoing. The story of Beijing is being promoted. Recent coverage of Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in local newspapers serves as evidence of this, according to the Europe Asia Foundation analysis.

The London-based forum claims that the favorable coverage is influenced by the widespread support for the "One China policy" among Arab governments, which is supported by Beijing's financial incentives.

For the US, the silence of the Islamic world on China's repressions in Xinjiang is another cause for concern. This offers Beijing the advantage of pursuing its diplomacy in the region from a transactional paradigm.