From Free-rider to Game Changer: China’s Evolving Cooperation, Technology, and Influence in the Middle East

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the evolving dynamics of power and technology in the Middle East, with a particular focus on China’s increasing influence in the region. Amidst the shifting balance of global power, China has transitioned from a peripheral player to a significant stakeholder in the Middle East, deploying its technological prowess and, more recently, diplomatic weight. As the United States and the West grapple with the implications of this shift, regional middle powers are not merely spectators in this superpower rivalry; they are resorting to ‘strategic hedging,’ forming their own partnerships focused on economic and knowledge transfer, replacing traditional political and security alignments to address regional and global challenges. The article discusses future regional trends, emphasizing the potential for Asia-Middle East minilateral cooperative frameworks. It concludes by suggesting that the United States should adopt a healthy balance between values and interests and move away from a zero-sum mentality by embracing a more cooperative approach to China’s regional presence. Specifically, the United States should accept global connectivity and sustainability momentum by encouraging more strategic partnerships between Asian and Middle Eastern countries.