Aging Capitalism and the Rise of China’s Middle East Diplomacy

This article examines China's evolving diplomatic role in the Middle East amid a global shift from a US-dominated imperialist system to a multilateral order where China plays a significant role. Through the lens of aging capitalism—denoting the structural incapacity of the capitalist system to overcome its deepening crisis—and the colonial mode of production—illustrating crises are violently transmitted from the imperial core to the periphery—the article explores how US interventions have fueled regional instability, while China offers an alternative developmental model based on mutual benefit. Within this framing, socialism emerges as a potential alternative to the capitalist impasse. China's objective of building a modern socialist state by 2049 uniquely positions it to respond to global crises. This opens opportunities for expanding China's diplomatic engagement with Middle Eastern countries seeking alternative paths to development and stability. Since the "Arab Spring," China's diplomacy in the region has increased. However, major obstacles remain—notably the entrenched US military presence and its ongoing capacity to generate conflict as a means of maintaining hegemony. The article concludes that the region's future may hinge on the success of China's alternative to imperialism, which could reduce US intervention and open space for progressive development.