The New Development of China-Middle East Relations since the Arab Upheaval

Abstract

Abstract: Since the upheaval, the Middle East region has been suffering from persisting conflicts and rising tension. China is facing a changing situation in the Middle East, along with increasingly mutual strategic reliance between China and the Middle East countries: on the one hand, the presence of Chinese interests in the Middle East is continuing to expand; on the other hand, since the 9/11, Middle Eastern countries have been generally in discord with the United States. As a result, Israel, Saudi Arabia and other countries are becoming increasingly willing to enhance relations with China, and significantly level up their expectation towards China accordingly. Within this context, China has actively promoted relations with Middle Eastern countries, with an image of a responsible, positive, and fair-minded actor in Middle East affairs. Accordingly, China’s interaction with the Middle East countries has stepped into a new stage.