China's Growing Influence in the Middle East: Shifting the Saudi-Iran Rivalry to Rapprochement

Abstract

The Chinese rapid rise in the past few decades has certainly increased its energy requirements, particularly from the Middle East. Beijing has to improve the security of its oil imports from the Middle East by fortifying its ties with key players in the region. Security-wise, China would like to combat the "three ugly forces" of religious extremism, national separatism, and terrorism. Some of the recent developments can validate Beijing's growing interests and influence in the Middle East like; the Arab-Sino Summit, held in Riyadh that brought together the leaders of different Arab states and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The major issues discussed at the Arab-Sino Summit were maintaining the Arab-Chinese relationship, promoting state development, and supporting the settlement of regional disputes. In addition, Beijing is serving as a mediator to help the two major regional powers, Riyadh and Tehran, restore their diplomatic ties as mending of the Saudi-Iranian ties would be a significant step towards resolving some of the complex regional challenges. The key among the challenges is that almost every state in the region represents a distinct Islamic sect like; Tehran represents Shia and Riyadh represents Sunni Muslims. Given the history of sectarian conflicts in the Middle East, it is not surprising that this marks a significant turning point in the establishment of peace and stability in the region. An outline of the Sino-Arab relationship is given in this study along with its development over time. It also examines different events that Beijing and the Middle East have been going through. Mutual respect is clear from the main points of agreement reached at the Arab-Sino summit to the manner in which the president of China and the leaders of the Arab states address one another. All these developments are certainly improving the prospects of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran who have been challenging each other for ideological, political and economic ascendency in the region.