The British newspaper The Economist says that the Chinese government has adopted a very aggressive approach at the diplomatic level as soon as it has controlled the corona virus at home. His assistance to the Middle East was welcomed.
Egypt, the Gulf states, Iran and Iraq gladly accepted shipments. According to The Economist, at a time when the United States is retreating, China's sphere of influence is expanding.
Iraqi Health Minister Jafar Allawi said that in addition to medical supplies, China has also provided the services of its best specialists. The United States, on the other hand, has not given us a single injection. Today, China is Iraq's largest trading partner.
"Our key option is to establish a long-term strategic partnership with China," said a former Iraqi energy minister. There are similar sentiments throughout the region.
Access to energy resources is China's basic need and priority, but its connection to the Middle East goes far beyond that goal. In exchange for oil, China is building industrial units, ports and railway tracks. China has assisted Saudi Arabia in pursuing and advancing its nuclear program.
Huawei, a major Chinese company in the telecom sector, has a large stake in FiveG Networks' business in the Middle East. The United States now sees China as its biggest rival in economic and strategic matters. That is why he is urging Middle Eastern countries not to get too close to China. Many Arab leaders see China as a more reliable partner than the United States.
The United States is more inquisitive about human rights, and it is a fact that the United States is beginning to give the impression that it is fed up with the Middle East. It is certain that many Arab states will still rely on the United States for arms and defense.
China does not seem to be interested in playing the role of regional police chief. Yes, it is slowly taking its presence in the region to the strategic realm. Take the text of the agreement with Iran. The two countries have agreed to exchange intelligence and co-operate in research as well as weapons development.
They are already cooperating in the field of military training. This is a very cautious game for China as it has sold drones to Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. China also has very friendly relations with Israel. There, Chinese government agencies have leased ports. China has also built ports in the Indian Ocean.
These ports are apparently intended for refueling and supplying ships, but may later be used for military purposes. There is power.
