The Importance of the Middle East to China’s Strategic Vision

In light of the developments in political events and international and regional variables witnessed by the Arab region, it has become certain that China wants to achieve pivotal political and economic goals in the Middle East region due to the region’s ignition of crises and unrest and the failure of American policy to manage the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The Middle East is one of the most important sub-regions in the international system, as it is the heart of the world and the link between East and West. It is distinguished by its shipping lanes through which most international trade passes, and it is also an important historical and civilizational storehouse, since it is distinguished by its rich resources, especially energy sources, oil and natural gas. It was also one of the arenas that witnessed geopolitical competition during the Cold War, and perhaps it is one of the regions that remained an area for the attraction of influential international powers, especially the United States and China, despite the shift of the international system towards unipolarity. Thus, the region represents a miniature model of the conflict between these two great powers. China has historical relations with the Middle Eastern countries due to its geographical location and trade movement with the countries of the region. With the rise of China, the region has enjoyed economic, technological and development relations with it that can be described as ideal, relying on energy supplies from the Middle East no less than driving the wheel of its superior production.