A screen displaying oil prices in Shanghai, China, on March 2, 2026. JADE GAO/AFP
Everything seems to bring the countries bordering the Arabian-Persian Gulf and China closer together. The former are major oil and gas producers, and the latter is the largest importer. Mideastern countries want to develop new technologies and renewable energy sources to reduce their dependence on oil, and China is at the forefront of these sectors. They want new infrastructure, including metro lines for their dazzling cities and port terminals to boost trade further. China is the champion of construction. These countries are eager to consume, and the Communist Republic has many products to offer.
By first presenting itself as an economic partner, maintaining good relations with all the region's capitals and refraining from political interference, the Asian giant believed it could navigate the region's geopolitical complexities.
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