Gains and Losses: Historical Lessons of China’s Middle East Policy for Its OBOR Initiative

Abstract

Although China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative seems to concentrate on Asia and Africa, its ultimate target is Western Europe. However, the road to Europe – either on land or at sea – has to pass through the Middle East, which is both a part of the OBOR initiative and an essential stopover on the way to Western Europe. Given China’s historical experience in the Middle East and the current Middle Eastern instability, unrest and obstacles, Beijing’s OBOR initiative is facing serious challenges. These are detailed in this article, which offers, in its conclusion, some lessons underlining Beijing’s disadvantages as well as advantages.