China and the Middle East: The Quest for Influence

China has evolved a complex Middle East policy in recent years which is now an integral part of its great power aspirations. Comprising original contributions from well known scholars, this absorbing volume examines China’s relations with key players in the region as also the impact of its Middle East policy on interactions with the USA and the UN among others. Among the issues discussed are: The methods China has adopted to gain economic and diplomatic leverage in the Middle East, particularly through military sales to and cooperation with important countries. The challenge posed to China’s arms exports to the Middle East by its recent endorsement of non-proliferation. The importance to China of the oil-rich Persian Gulf region as a source of energy; as a market for Chinese labour; and as a source of foreign investiments in China. The impact of China’s Middle East policy on its relations with other countries such as Turkey, Pakistan and India. The manner in which China has succeeded in pursuing its interests without alienating the regional powers while negotiating the conflicts and disputes between the major players. Providing well-grounded analyses of China’s strategic, political and economic stakes in the Middle East, this volume will attract a wide readership. It will be of particular interest to students and scholars of international relations, Middle East and China studies, political science, diplomacy and strategic studies.