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China's Interests in the Middle East

(Times of Israel) David P. Goldman - On Dec. 9, while Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia, he signed a Gulf Cooperation Council call "to address the Iranian nuclear file and destabilizing regional activities, address support for terrorist and sectarian groups and illegal armed organizations, prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, ensure the safety of international navigation and oil installations, and adhere to UN resolutions." China's public criticism of Iran reflects its self-interest as the largest importer of oil from the Persian Gulf. China's annual exports to Saudi Arabia reached $42 billion in 2022 from $16 billion in 2017, while its exports to Iran fell to $8 billion in 2022 from $16 billion in 2017. China's exports to Israel are $17 billion a year. China shares with Israel a common interest in stopping Iran from destabilizing the region. Israel's alliance with the U.S. is the cornerstone of its foreign policy and should remain so. Israel has discouraged Chinese participation in infrastructure projects to placate Washington. But Western security won't suffer if a Chinese construction firm builds light rail lines or desalination plants. The writer is deputy editor of the Asia Times.
2023-02-23 00:00:00
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