Chinese Performance towards Regional Changes in the Middle East – Efficiency and Impact

Prepared by the researcher – Jamal Khalid al-Fadi

Trans. Hussein A. al-Mutahr

Democratic Arab Center

Journal of Afro-Asian Studies First issue – April 2019

A Periodical International Journal published by the “Democratic Arab Center” Germany – Berlin. The journal deals with the field of Afro-Asian strategic, political and economic studies

https://democraticac.de/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Journal-of-Afro-Asian-Studies-First-issue-%E2%80%93-April-2019.pdf

 :Abstract

In its quest to shift from an Asian regional power to a global one, China depended on ascending economic growth. This assured it opportunities and options and enabled it to maneuver and expand its diplomatic capabilities so as to take the initiative, and move from neutrality, negative response and suspense in the Middle East to more effective and positive response. Though the historical ties between China and Middle East countries, the latter has never gained the focus of China’s strategy as it does today. The role has been limited to trade and cultural exchanges. China has not strived for a real presence in the region. In this context, this study deals with the orientations of Chinese performance in the face of the sweeping changes in the Middle East and its consequences which pushed China to look for more increasing role and influence, especially as it seeks a global reach by which it would become a superpower. This is to be fulfilled through a vision that achieves Chinese interests. China has crystallized parameters of foreign policy that serve its motif and vision towards the region in order to employ what is happening to its advantages in an area seen as a bridge to reach its goal. So, we attempt to understand the stimulating factors of the China’s influence in a region forming a strategic depth for the great power aspiring for competition over the world leadership. We also address the challenges China could face in its quest for influence and position in an area which is fluid and full of changes.