Historical Evolution of Relationship between China and the Gulf Region

Abstract: The Gulf region is in unique geo-political position. The relationship between China and the Gulf region is deeply impacted by the international system and regional patterns, as well as the adjustments of China’s own diplomatic strategies. This article tries to analyze the historical evolution of the relationship between China and the Gulf Region from these three perspectives. At present, this study is very important for China to rightly understand the strategic environment of the “One Belt and one Road” constructions in the Gulf Region. In the period of Cold War, the relationship between China and the Gulf region is deeply affected by the Cold War system, which can be proved by the fact during that time, China’s policies toward the Gulf region depended on the relationship between China and the US and the Soviet Union. Changes in regional patterns in the Gulf Region and China’s own strategic adjustments also have influence on China’s policies toward the Gulf. After the end of the Cold War, many factors, including the changes in the international system, changes in the situation of the Gulf region and the adjustments of China’s development and diplomatic strategies, had influenced the relationship between China and the Gulf. However, in this period, the mutual interdependence between China and the Gulf, and the impact of the adjustments of China’s diplomatic strategies on China’s Gulf policies are increasing. In the future, jointly building the “One Belt and One Road” initiative will be the mainstream of the cooperation between China and the Gulf countries.