The Syrian Conflict’s Influence on the Chinese Role in the Middle East

Abstract

For China, the Middle East is a large geostrategic region that contributes to determining policies, and therefore the Chinese have always aimed to “step” into this arena and advance their agenda. Even though they are seeking a strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, Beijing’s pursuit of alternative energy sources, which has not been successful in Central Asia, has increased rather than diminished. We will try to understand how the Chinese strategic perspective in the Middle East is manifested in its position on the Syrian conflict, especially in light of Russian involvement. China’s relations with other Middle Eastern states will be discussed in relation to the Syrian conflict. The study concludes that China is seeking to export its image as a country with flexible diplomacy, a stable economy, massive industrial capacity, and huge capital in order to ensure an orderly rise against the West.