China and the Middle East

As the United States reduces its footprint in the Middle East, China has been actively stepping up its diplomatic, economic, military, and political engagement. Due to its significance in China’s energy security and broader geopolitical interests, the Middle East has morphed into an indispensable region for China’s global engagement and ambitions. While a relative newcomer to the region, China’s ability to forge partnerships largely absent the historical baggage of traditional powers will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Middle East in the 21st century. This project seeks to uncover the reality of Sino-Middle East relations, China’s strategy, capabilities, and approaches toward the region and the policy implications of China’s newfound engagement with the global community.