China’s Thriving Middle East Engagement Challenges US Dominance

The Middle East is important to China as a major source of energy, a key node in its Belt and Road Initiative and an emerging venue for US-China rivalry. China’s deepening involvement in the Middle East can be divided into three dimensions: economic, strategic and cultural. China is careful not to become mired in Middle Eastern politics and regional countries generally welcome China’s growing engagement. China’s expanding footprint in the region may intensify US-China rivalry.