As far as the emerging multipolar world is concerned, the geopolitical contest between countries has been aimed at a strategic flow to gain dominance in a region.
In later times, countries’ priorities underwent a drastic change to deal with the threat posed by the rival. However, of late, the United States has deliberately shifted its focus from the West Asia region to the Indo-Pacific region to counter Chinese influence in the region. The involvement of the United States in the West Asia region has caused instability that has had negative repercussions even after the withdrawal of the troops.
The weakening of Washington’s political weight in West Asia added impetus to Chinese ambitions. The relationship between China and the countries of West Asia has been marked by strong cultural ties that go back many centuries. During the Cold War, most West Asian nations spoke out against Western hegemony, as did Beijing. Despite the energy associations, China’s relations with the region diversified in transport, communication and technology in a remarkable way in the 21st century (SIDDIQUI, 2022). Revanchist China seeks to maintain a strong position in Western Asia due to its strategic importance. The ambitious Xi Jinping Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project underscores the deepest commitment to West Asia.
By brokering the peace deal between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, China has won a diplomatic victory by opening a new chapter. West Asian countries view China as a trustworthy partner due to its non-interference in internal events, unlike the West. The United States and its allies endlessly press Islamic nations to uphold democratic principles. The policies of the Bretton Woods institutions, such as the IMF and the World Bank, are seen as an obstacle.
France–India relationship
From the perspective of both China and the countries of West Asia, the defense of human rights remains an impediment, especially for Beijing, due to the Islamic oppression of the Uyghurs. Despite the crackdown in Xinjiang, Islamic countries support China on this issue to defend the autocratic axis. Despite the Chinese government’s policy of Uyghur oppression, it consolidated the support of Islamic countries through its soft power. The Chinese Islamic Association (CIA) plays a proactive role in boosting and stabilizing relations with these countries by building mosques and upholding sharia principles, which prohibit earning interest on loans (Shah, 2021).
The weakening of Washington’s political weight in West Asia added impetus to Chinese ambitions
After 9/11, the United States addressed the Islamic world under the banner of the “war on terror” through its military deployment in the region. It had implications even after the withdrawal from Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, hostile relations with Iran pose a setback for Washington due to its proxy war in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. Meanwhile, China’s rapprochement with West Asia is independent and shares a mutual trust with the countries that was evident in the rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran. Beijing also expressed its interest in mediating the crisis between Israel and Palestine (Cash, 2023).
While recent events foster opportunities for China, they are also linked with challenges. Subsequent efforts to hold talks with the warring parties drag China into power politics. Despite the peace deal, a truce between Saudi and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen remains elusive. The return of Syria to the Arab League and the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia could mean a de-escalation to face threats to global security, mainly food security, which is in danger due to the current war in Russia against Ukraine. If there is an escalation of tensions between the rival factions in West Asia, China is obliged to take measures to ensure peace and stability, which could endanger the country.
Article republished within the framework of an agreement with Dras (Defense Research and studies) to share content. Link to the original article: https://dras.in/rising-political-clout-of-china-in-west-asia/
Graduated in International Relations from the Central University of Kerala. He is currently pursuing postgraduate studies at the South Asian University in Delhi.
