China urged to remain focused on economic ties in Middle East, avoid ‘great power game’ with US
- Researcher says US and China can find ways to coexist as focuses and approaches are different
- Technology, including 5G, seen as main field for competition in region
Nin said that when crafting its Middle East strategy, China should avoid being dragged into a “great power game” with the US – as had already happened in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe.
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“For a long time, China has mainly participated in the economic affairs of the Middle East,” Niu wrote, adding that adjustments to its global strategic priorities and allocation of resources would be required if preparations were to be made for a great power game in the future.
“In terms of economic affairs, China can maintain a balanced relationship with all regional countries,” he wrote. “Once it enters the deep water in the military and political fields, it is almost impossible to maintain such a relationship.”
“It can be predicted that, if not triggered by major emergencies, China will not take the initiative to substantially adjust the current Middle East policy, but will carefully observe and adjust while interacting with the United States.”
Many predict the Middle East could become the next arena for competition between the two countries, as China continues to increase its footprint in the region and the United States pivots away.