China’s Middle East strategy stays focused on economic relations

Recent talks with the Gulf States and Turkey helped boost economic ties, but saw little change in strategic and security matters

While China hopes to increase its role in the region, it faces opposition from the US, which remains a key player

Reading Time:3 minutes

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pictured with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. Pictured: Xinhua

Published: 9:30pm, 16 Jan 2022

China’s talks with Middle Eastern countries last week brought progress in economic cooperation, but little in other areas despite Beijing’s desire to play a greater role in the region.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a series of meetings with his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council and four of its six member states, agreeing to accelerate the process of upgrading relations to a strategic partnership and signing a free-trade agreement.

“The most important outcome of the visit between China and the GCC countries was economic,” Yin Gang, a researcher in the Middle East with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said.

Wang met foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, agreeing to closer cooperation on trade and cultural exchanges.

Beijing has been keen to win support for its policies in Xinjiang, where it is accused to widespread human rights abuses, and secured support from the mainly Muslim states for the principle of non-interference to each other’s domestic policies and mutual support in international institutions.

Wang also held a phone conference on Thursday with his counterpart from another GCC member, the United Arab Emirates, underlining their common interests.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x