Ebook: China in the Middle East: the Wary Dragon
Author: Arroyo Center., Nader Alireza, Scobell Andrew
- Tags: Diplomatic relations, Energy security, Energy security--China--21st century, Security International, Security International--21st century, Energy security -- China -- 21st century, Security International -- 21st century, China -- Foreign relations -- Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia -- Foreign relations -- China, China -- Foreign relations -- Iran, Iran -- Foreign relations -- China, China -- Foreign relations -- 1949-, China -- Economic policy -- 2000- -- China -- Iran -- Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia
- Series: Research report RR-1229-A
- Year: 2016
- Publisher: Rand
- City: China;Iran;Santa Monica;Calif;Saudi Arabia
- Language: English
- pdf
"China is becoming increasingly active in the Middle East, just as some regional states perceive a declining U.S. commitment to the region. This study examines China's interests in the region and assesses China's economic, political, and security activities in the Middle East to determine whether China has a strategy toward the region and what such a strategy means for the United States. The study focuses on China's relations with two of its key partners in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia and Iran. The study concludes that China has adopted a "wary dragon" strategy toward the Middle East, whereby China is reluctant to commit substantial diplomatic or military resources to protect its growing energy and other economic interests. China does not pose a threat to U.S. interests in the region, and the United States is likely to remain the dominant security actor in the Middle East for the foreseeable future. The study recommends that the United States adopt a two-pronged strategy where China and the Middle East are concerned. First, the United States should encourage China, along with other Asian powers, to become more involved in efforts to improve Middle East stability. Second, the United States should work to reassure Middle East partners of an enduring U.S. security commitment to the region."--Publisher's description.