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The US-China Rivalry in the Middle East: A Critical Analysis

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 U.S.-Sino Relations
Content
U.S.-China-Taiwan – A Triangle of Tension
Dr. Manas Chakrabarty 5
US-China Strategic Rivalry: The Key Drivers and Perceptions
Prof. Arunoday Bajpai 12
US-Sino Tech War: The Dynamics of the On-Going Conflict
Dr. Alok Kumar Gupta and Honey Raj 19
The Missile Walls in the Pacific: Who Can Break Through?
Dr. Sitakanta Mishra 27
US and China Conflict Over Taiwan
Dr. Biswa Ranjan Mohanty and Prof. Suraj Kumar Mishra 34
US-China Equations:
Contest for Supremacy in the Indo-Pacific Region
Dr. Shaveta Sharma 40
USA-Sino Relations in the Indo-Pacific:
Emergent Issues from a Regional Perspective
Dr. Aditya Kant Ghising 47
China’s expanding outreach in Middle East and USA’s Stakes
Abhishek Yadav 52
New Cold War Diplomacy between China and the US
Avneet Kumar Nim 57
Dynamics of Chip War Rivalry between the USA and China
Dr. Saurabh Sharma and Akash Kumar 62
Red Dragon Flies to Space: A New Challenge for Uncle Sam
Thorough Analysis of Dragon Emerging Private Space Sector
Om Ranjan 67
Huawei -US Technology Theft War
Ragul P 73
China’s Growing Influence in Africa:
Implications for United States
Sharmistha Hazra 80
The US-China Rivalry in the Middle East: A Critical Analysis
Abu Zafar 86
Book Review
G.D. Bakshi, The Sarasvati Civilization: A Paradigm Shift in Ancient Indian History
(Gurugram: Garuda Prakashan Pvt. Ltd., 2019). Rs.399/- Pages: ix+268.
Review by Dr. Alok Kumar Gupta 94

4 World Focus
 The US-China Rivalry in the Middle
East: A Critical Analysis
Abu Zafar

The rivalry between the US and China in the countries have invested in infrastructure
Middle East has significant implications for projects, such as ports and pipelines, to secure
regional and global politics. This region is vital their access to trade routes and increase their
due to its natural resources and strategic economic influence in the region. However,
location, making it a major source of energy for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is viewed
both countries. They have economic, strategic, as a threat to US interests in the Middle East,
and geopolitical interests particularly in terms of
in the Middle East, The Middle East holds immense economic competition
including access to oil and importance due to its natural and the promotion of
gas resources, trade, and resources and strategic location, Chinese influence in the
making it a significant source of region.The US-China
alliances with key
energy for both the United States and
actors.While the US is rivalry in the Middle East
China. As such, the US-China rivalry
more focused on security in this region has major implications could exacerbate existing
and defense cooperation, for regional stability, security, and conflicts, lead to a
China’s engagement is global politics. The two countries regional arms race, and
primarily driven by its have economic, strategic, and affect global governance
desire to secure its geopolitical interests in the region, and international
economic interests. including access to oil and gas institutions. As the
However, China’s resources, trade, and alliances with competition intensifies,
key actors. Middle Eastern countries
increasing military
presence in the region has are feeling growing
raised concerns among some US policymakers. pressure to join the efforts to contain China.To
Beijing is cautious about its security limitations manage this rivalry, dialogue, cooperation, and
and avoids picking sides in disputes. compromise from all sides are necessary.
The US has close alliances with countries such This paper analyses the factors driving
as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab the US-China rivalry in the Middle East and its
Emirates, while China has been building closer implications on the region. It examines the
ties with all these countries including Iran. Both economic, political, and strategic interests of

Abu Zafar
Research Scholar
Centre for West Asian Studies,
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
86 World Focus
both countries, including their relationships
with key actors. The paper also assesses the
impact of the rivalry on the Middle East’s
stability, security, and economic development.
Ultimately, policymakers must find ways to
minimize destabilizing effects on the region and
the world.
Introduction
Due to its natural resources and strategic
location,the Middle East orWest Asia is a
region of great importance. It has been a focus
of major powers for centuries, and today it is a
point of a new rivalry between the United
States and China. Both countries have
significant interests in the region, including
access to oil and gas resources, trade, and
strategic alliances with key actors.The US-
China rivalry in the Middle East has significant
implications for the region’s stability and
security. It also has global implications, as the
United States and China are two of the world’s
largest economies and military powers.
Therefore, understanding the dynamics of the
US-China rivalry in the Middle East is crucial.
China’s growing involvement in the
region has the potential to challenge the US’s
long-standing strategic presence in the Middle
East. The BRI has increased its economic
presence in the Middle East and has also
enabled China to develop close ties with several
countries in the region.China’s rising influence
in the region may have implications for the US’s
strategic interests in the Middle East, including
its traditional role as a security guarantor and its
partnerships with key allies such as Israel and
Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, China’s growing
involvement in regional conflicts, such as the
Syrian civil war, also has implications for US
interests in the region.2
Importance of the region for the US and
China
The Middle East is a crucial region for both the
United States and China due to its economic,
strategic, and geopolitical significance. For the
United States, the region is essential for its
global strategy, as it is a major energy producer
and transit point for global trade. The US has
several strategic interests in the region,
including maintaining regional stability,
protecting its allies, and ensuring access to
energy supplies. To achieve these goals, the US
has been involved in several regional conflicts
and has significant political and security
interests. The US also has several key military
bases in the region, which are critical for
projecting its military power and protecting its
interests.
Similarly, China has been increasing its
engagement with Middle East, particularly in
terms of trade and investment. The region is a
key component of China’s Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI), which seeks to enhance
connectivity and economic cooperation across
Asia and beyond. For China, the Middle East is
crucial for energy security, as it is a major
supplier of oil and gas. To ensure its energy
needs are met, China has been investing heavily
in the region’s energy sector. Additionally,
China has been investing in several
infrastructure projects there, as part of its BRI.
Moreover, the Middle East is also of
significant geopolitical importance for China, as
it is home to several key strategic partners
critical for its regional and global ambitions,
including Iran and Syria. China has been
increasingly involved in regional conflicts,
including the Syrian civil war and the ongoing
conflict in Yemen, driven in part by its desire to
protect its investments and maintain regional
stability.3
April 2023 87
China’s Increasing Influence Is a Cause of
Concern for the US.
China’s growing engagement in the Middle
East, particularly in terms of trade, investment,
and energy, is viewed by many in the US as a
threat to its economic and strategic interests.
China has been increasing its engagement with
the Middle East in recent years, particularly in
terms of trade, investment, and energy.4 China’s
engagement in the Middle East has also been
driven by its desire to secure its economic
interests and diversify its energy supplies. The
region is a major supplier of oil and gas to
China, and the country has been investing in
several infrastructure projects, including ports,
pipelines, and railways, as part of its BRI.
China’s increasing influence in the
Middle East is a cause of concern for the US
for several reasons. One of the key concerns is
economic. China’s engagement in the Middle
East is viewed by many in the US as a threat to
its economic interests. The US has traditionally
been a dominant player in the region,
particularly in terms of energy and trade.
China’s increasing engagement there is viewed
by many in the US as a challenge to its
economic dominance.The US is also concerned
about the strategic implications of China’s
increasing influence in the region. Middle East
is a critical component of the US global
strategy, particularly in terms of energy security
and regional stability. The US has several key
allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia and
the United Arab Emirates, which are major oil
producers and key partners in ensuring stable
global energy supplies. The US is also heavily
invested in regional security and has several key
military bases in the region.
Another concern for the US is the
potential for China to use its increasing
influence in the region to challenge US interests
in other parts of the world. The BRI, which
includes several projects in the Middle East, is
88 World Focus
viewed by many in the US as a way for China to
expand its global influence and challenge US
dominance in the region and beyond.
Key Components of US-China Rivalry in the
Middle East
The rivalry between the United States and
China in the Middle East is driven by several
factors, including economic, political, and
security considerations.
Economic Interests
One of the main drivers of the US-China
rivalry in the Middle East is economic interests.
The region is home to some of the world’s
largest oil and gas reserves, making it a
significant source of energy for both countries.
China is heavily dependent on Middle East’s oil
and gas resources to fuel its rapidly growing
economy. The United States, on the other hand,
has traditionally been the dominant player in
the global oil market, but with the rise of shale
oil, it has reduced its dependence on Middle
East’s oil. However, the region still plays a
significant role in the global oil market, and the
United States has a strong interest in
maintaining access to its oil and gas resources.
In recent years, China has been increasing its
investments in the region, particularly in
infrastructure projects. China’s BRI aims to
connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through a
network of infrastructure projects, including
ports, railways, and pipelines. Middle East is a
key part of the BRI, and China has invested
heavily in countries such as Iran, Iraq, and
Saudi Arabia. China’s investments in the Middle
East have raised concerns in the United States,
which sees China’s growing economic influence
in the region as a threat to its own economic
interests.For the US, Middle Eastern oil is
important to maintain its global influence and
support its allies in the region.China’s trade and
investment in the Middle East have grown
significantly in recent years. In 2021, China’s
total trade with Middle Eastern countries
amounted to $371.64 billion, with exports
totaling $177.78billion and imports reaching
$193.86billion.5
Political Interests
The US-China rivalry in the Middle East is not
just about economic interests. Both countries
also have significant political interests in the
region. The United States has been a key player
in the region for decades and has close alliances
with countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and
the United Arab Emirates. The United States
sees these alliances as crucial for maintaining
its influence in the region and countering Iran’s
influence.
China, on the other hand, has
traditionally stayed out of Middle East’s
political affairs. However, in recent years, China
has become more involved in the region’s
politics, particularly in its relationship with Iran.
China has been building closer ties with Iran,
despite international sanctions, and has been a
vocal supporter of Iran’s nuclear program.6
China sees Iran as an important partner in its
efforts to counter US influence in the region.
The US and China have fundamentally
different political systems, with the US
promoting democracy and human rights, while
China prioritizes stability and economic
development. In the Middle East, the US has
been a key player in promoting democracy and
human rights, while China has largely
maintained a non-interventionist approach.
However, China’s increasing engagement in the
region, particularly BRI, has raised concerns
among some US policymakers that China is
seeking to export its authoritarian model to the
region and undermine US influence.
Though Beijing propagates a non-nterventionist
policy in the region but its action in the Syrian
crisis contradicts its preaching. It has been
openly supporting the Bashar al Assad regime
and providing all possible help to him to
consolidate his power.
Strategic Interests
The US-China rivalry in the Middle East also
has significant strategic implications. The region
is home to some of the world’s most volatile
conflicts. The rivalry between the two is
increasingly becoming an important aspect of
international relations, particularly in the
Middle East, a region of strategic importance.
As the United States continues to view the
Middle East as a key geopolitical interest,
China has significantly increased its engagement
with the region. As a result, the competition
between the two powers in the Middle East has
become a significant concern for both
policymakers and scholars. The region is known
for its ongoing conflicts and political instability,
which can affect global security and economic
stability. Both countries have attempted to
influence regional actors and mediate conflicts
to promote stability. The Middle East is a key
region for international trade, connecting Asia,
Europe, and Africa. The US and China have
both invested in infrastructure projects, such as
ports and pipelines, to secure their access to
these trade routes and increase their economic
influence in the region.
The security factor is also critical. The
Middle East is a region of significant security
importance due to its proximity to major global
energy supplies and the presence of several
volatile conflicts. Both the US and China have
security interests in the Middle East, with the
US seeking to maintain its regional dominance
and protect its allies, while China seeks to
protect its investments and maintain stability.
The US has been involved in several regional
conflicts, while China has largely maintained a
non-interventionist approach. However,
China’s increasing military presence in the
April 2023 89
region, particularly through its Djibouti military
base, has raised concerns among some US
policymakers that China is seeking to challenge
US military dominance and expand its
influence.7
The US has been especially alarmed and
tried to pressurise Israel for not giving the
contract to a Chinese company for building a
terminal in Haifa port. The concern is that the
Chinese company Shanghai International Port
Group (SIPG)’s involvement could pose a
security risk to both Israel and the United
States, as the port is a strategic location for the
US Navy’s Sixth Fleet. That forced former US
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to travel to
Israel in November 2020, during the COVID-
19 pandemic, to discuss this issue and other
matters related to US-Israel relations. Pompeo
reportedly urged Israel to reconsider its decision
to involve SIPG in the Haifa port project and
expressed concerns about China’s growing
influence in the region.8
The threat of terrorism is a global
concern, and the Middle East has been a major
focus of counterterrorism efforts for both the
US and China. The US has been involved in
military interventions in the region to combat
terrorism, while China has been working with
regional countries to improve intelligence
sharing and border security.9
How the US sees BRI in the Middle East
The US has expressed concerns about the
initiative and its implications for its interests in
the Middle East. In a speech delivered in July
2019, the then-US Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo said:
“Countries in this part of the world which have
signed on to the Belt and Road projects have
found Beijing’s deals come not with strings
attached, but with shackles. Countries are
looking to provide infrastructure, digital
connectivity, and energy supplies to their
90 World Focus
people without relinquishing their
sovereignty.”10
Therefore, the US sees the BRI as a
threat to its interests in the Middle East,
particularly in terms of economic competition
and the promotion of Chinese influence in the
region. The US also has concerns about the lack
of transparency, poor governance, and
unsustainable debt burdens associated with BRI
projects.11
Can China be a security provider to the
Middle East?
China’s increasing engagement with the Middle
East, particularly in terms of economic and
energy cooperation, has raised questions about
whether it can play a larger role in providing
security to the region. Traditionally,Beijing has
taken a non-interventionist approach to foreign
policy, focusing on economic cooperation, and
avoiding direct involvement in regional security
issues. China’s engagement in the region has
been driven by its desire to secure its economic
interests and diversify its energy supplies.
China’s approach to regional security issues has
been characterized by a focus on non-
interference and cooperation. It has supported
the Iran nuclear deal and has been involved in
the Syrian peace process. However, China has
not been directly involved in regional conflicts
or taken on a significant role as a security
provider in the region.
China’s increasing engagement with the
Middle East has raised questions about whether
it could play a larger role as a security provider
in the region. China has the potential to make a
significant contribution to regional security in
the Middle East through various means, such as
diplomatic engagement, military cooperation,
and counterterrorism operations. Firstly, China
can leverage its strong relationships with
regional actors to promote peace and stability
through active involvement in regional
diplomacy and conflict resolution. This could
involve utilizing its economic leverage to
encourage peaceful negotiations and mediation
between conflicting parties.
Secondly, China can increase military
cooperation with Middle Eastern countries,
providing equipment, technology, and training
programs. This would help to strengthen the
capacity of regional security forces, enhance
regional military cooperation, and improve their
ability to address emerging security threats.
Joint military exercises and training programs
would allow for the sharing of knowledge and
experience, which could help to build trust and
confidence among regional actors.
Thirdly, China has significant experience
in dealing with terrorism and could offer
expertise and support to Middle Eastern
countries in their counterterrorism efforts. This
could involve sharing intelligence, providing
training for law enforcement and security
personnel, and supporting regional
counterterrorism initiatives. China’s expertise in
cybersecurity could also be beneficial in
developing robust security measures against
cyberattacks, which are increasingly becoming a
significant security threat in the region.
But, at the same time, Beijing faces
several challenges in assuming the role of a
security provider. One of the main obstacles is
the lack of regional trust due to China’s non-
interventionist foreign policy, which does not
involve direct intervention in regional conflicts,
thereby limiting its ability to build trust and
influence in the region. Compared to the US,
which has several key military bases there,
China’s military capabilities are limited,
representing another obstacle to its role as a
security provider. Moreover, the US, which has
traditionally been the dominant security
provider in the region, may view China’s
increasing engagement in the Middle East as a
challenge to its interests.
Implications of US-China Rivalry in the
Middle East
The US-China rivalry in the Middle East has
several implications for regional and global
politics. Firstly, the competition between the
two powers could exacerbate regional conflicts,
particularly if they take opposing sides. For
example, the US has been a key supporter of
Israel, while China has maintained a neutral
stance. If China were to take a more active role
in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this could
further complicate the situation.
Secondly, the rivalry could also lead to a
regional arms race, as countries seek to align
themselves with one of the two powers. For
example, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates have traditionally been close allies of
the US, while Iran has been a key target of US
sanctions. However, China’s increasing
engagement with Iran, particularly through the
BRI, could lead to a shift in alliances and
potentially lead to increased arms sales to Iran.
Therefore, the competition between China and
the US will affect the security dynamics in the
region, which could be destabilizing for the
region. This rivalry could exacerbate existing
tensions and risks, including those involving
nuclear and missile programs, terrorism, and
regional conflicts.
Thirdly, the rivalry could also have
implications for global governance and
international institutions. The US has
traditionally been the dominant power in
shaping global governance, particularly through
its leadership in international institutions such
as the United Nations and the World Trade
Organization. Since the US has traditionally
believed that economic statecraft is the first
step toward political influence, it is
understandable that China’s economic
participation in the Middle East is viewed with
suspicion.
April 2023 91
 Despite the fact that the US has been
unable to provide better alternatives, it has
criticised countries in the region, particularly
the GCC, for their engagement with China,
particularly in the purchase of 5G technology
and equipment.As a result, the majority of
them are moving forward with Chinese-made
5G technology.12The following factors,
according to Andersen and Lons, will determine
the impact of China’s participation in WANA:
the US’s role in the region’s security system; the
nature and scope of China’s military presence in
the region; and the reactions of other regional
powers like India, Japan, and Russia as well as
the participating nations themselves.13
But any change in the behavior of the
two countries in the region and towards each
other is unlikely to change in the foreseeable
future. Washington will continue to focus on
security issues and defense cooperation, while
Beijing will stick to its trade and investment-
centered agenda. Middle Eastern countries are
feeling growing pressure to join the efforts to
contain China. Meanwhile, China avoids
picking sides in disputes in the region,
preferring to focus on trade and economic
relations with all countries in the
region.14Beijing is cautious about its security
limitations in the region and therefore avoids
overreacting. However, it still aims to present
itself as a responsible and balanced power by
utilizing various communication channels. Its
approach is referred to as the ‘maxi/mini
principle’, which means gaining the maximum
benefit with minimal effort.15 Although Beijing
claims to be committed to resolving conflicts in
the region, such as the Palestine-Israel conflict,
its efforts are mostly just empty words. These
actions are intended to give the impression that
China is a concerned foreign power, but in
reality, its involvement is seen as nothing more
than diplomatic rhetoric.16
92 World Focus
Conclusion
The Middle East holds immense importance
due to its natural resources and strategic
location, making it a significant source of
energy for both the United States and China. As
such, the US-China rivalry in this region has
major implications for regional stability,
security, and global politics. The two countries
have economic, strategic, and geopolitical
interests in the region, including access to oil
and gas resources, trade, and alliances with key
actors.
The economic, political, and
geopolitical interests involved in the US-China
rivalry in the Middle East. While China has
been establishing stronger connections with all
of these nations, including Iran, the United
States has strong partnerships with nations like
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab
Emirates. To ensure their access to trade routes
and boost their economic dominance in the
region, both countries have invested in
infrastructure projects including ports and
pipelines.
While China’s engagement in the region
has been primarily driven by its desire to secure
its economic interests, its increasing military
presence in the region has raised concerns
among some US policymakers. China’s Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI) is viewed as a threat to
US interests in the Middle East, particularly in
terms of economic competition and the
promotion of Chinese influence in the region.
The US is more focused on security and defense
cooperation, while Beijing is cautious about its
security limitations in the region and avoids
picking sides in disputes. As the competition
between the two powers intensifies, Middle
Eastern countries are feeling growing pressure
to join the efforts to contain China.
The US-China rivalry in the Middle East
has significant implications for regional and
global politics. The competition could
 exacerbate existing conflicts, lead to a regional
arms race, and affect global governance and
international institutions. Managing this rivalry
will require dialogue, cooperation, and
compromise from all sides.
Ultimately, the fate of the Middle East
and the global community will depend on the
ability of policymakers to navigate the
complexities of this evolving rivalry, finding
ways to minimize destabilizing effects on the
region and the world.
Endnotes
1
Zafar, Abu. “Growing Chinese Involvement
inWest Asia: Factors and Implications.” Indian
Journal of International Studies 2, no. 3&4
(2022): 45. https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/368391996_Growing_Chinese_
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3
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Mediation in the Middle East.” Middle East
Institute, March 25, 2022. https://www.mei.
edu/publications/chinas-evolving-conflict-
mediation-middle-east.
4
Xiaodong Zhang, “China’s Interests in the Middle
East: Present and Future.” Middle East Policy 6,
no. 3 (1999): 152.
5
Author’s own calculations based on data from
Trade Map, ITC, 2023.
6
“China Supports Iran to Safeguard Rights Over
Nuclear Issue – Xi,” Reuters, February 14, 2023,
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/
china-supports-iran-safeguard-rights-over-
nuclear-issue-xi-2023-02-14/.
7
“Why is the US concerned about China’s naval
base in Djibouti?” TRT World, April 21, 2021,
https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/why-is-
the-us-concerned-about-china-s-naval-base-
indjibouti-46099.
8
“Chinese Investments in Israel’s Haifa Port
‘Rattle’ The US; Washington Raises Espionage
Concerns,” Eurasia Times, October 7, 2021,
https://eurasiantimes.com/chinese-investmen
View publication stats
s-in-israelshaifa-port-rattle-the-us-washington-
raises-espionage-concerns/.
9
Degang Sun, “China’s Military Relations with the
Middle East,” In The Red Star and the Crescent:
China and The Middle East, ed. James Reardon-
Anderson, (New York: Oxford Press, 2018), 83.
10
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India. “Secretary
of State Pompeo and Indian Foreign Minister
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at a Press Availability.”
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India, 26 June 2019,
https://in.usembassy.gov/secretary-of-state-
michael-r-pompeo-and-indian-foreign-minister-
subrahmanyam-jaishankar-at-a-press-availability/
.
11
Jacob J. Lew et al. “China’s Belt and Road:
Implications for the United States”, Council on
Foreign Relations, Independent Task Force Report No.
79, March 2021, https://www.cfr.org/report/
chinas-belt-and-road-implications-for-the-united-
states/recommendations.
12
Alexander Cornwell, “U.S. flags Huawei 5g
Network Security Concerns to Gulf allies,”
Reuters, September 12, 2019, Retrieved from
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-huawei-
security-usa-gulf-idUSKCN1VX241.
13
Andersen, Christian B., and Charlotte Lons. The
Geopolitical Implications of China‘s Belt and
Road Initiative: Connecting Asia, Europe, and
Africa.” Journal of Contemporary China 28, no. 114
(2019): 93.
14
AmalMikdad, “China and United States Middle
East Policy: Continuity Amid Changing
Competition.” Middle East Institute, 14 Dec.
2020, https://www.mei.edu/publications/china-
and-united-states-middle-east-policy-continuity-
amid-changing-competition.
15
For detail please see; Samuel S. Kim
“International Organizations in Chinese Foreign
Policy.” The Annals of the American Academy of
Political and Social Science 519, no. 1 (1992): 140-
157.
16
Mordechai Chaziza, “China’s Policy on the
Middle East Peace Process after the Cold
War,” China Report 49, no. 1 (2013): 161.
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