Chinese Investments in Maritime Sectors of Oman and UAE

Abstract

This paper reviews Chinese investments in the maritime sectors of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The study highlights China’s increasing influence in the Middle East (ME) and Africa, with a focus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development of key ports and infrastructure projects at Duqm and Khalifa ports. It looks into the strategic importance of Oman and UAE as the key regional players and their relationship with China in the current global context. China’s expanding naval footprints in the Arabian Seas Region (ASR) pose potential challenges to US interests. China, however, has not pronounced any of its military objectives and has extensively but strategically invested in developing key infrastructure in littoral states to avail significant advantages. In the backdrop of the evolving dynamics of great power competition and maritime security in the Arabian Sea region, this study indicates towards possible ways in which the US, China and the regional states need to take and address the challenges posed to each of them. This may help them strengthen their partnerships and balancing their strategic interests in the region.