China Gears Up to Play Bigger Role in Middle East Politics
In-Depth Coverage
by Saibal Dasgupta January 14, 2016
Chinese President Xi Jinping's first official visit to the Middle East next week is a signal of Beijing's intention to be a major player in Mideast affairs, analysts say.
The Chinese government has not yet announced specifics of Xi's Mideast tour. But official agencies in Iran and Egypt say he will visit the region beginning January 20. This would be the first time in 12 years a Chinese president will visit the two countries. Xi is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia.
China, has been signaling its growing interest in dealing with thorny issues in the Middle East.
Beijing issued its first ever policy paper on the Arab world on Wednesday, promising to support Arab governments in their fight against terrorism through long-term security cooperation, intelligence sharing and technical cooperation. In December it hosted Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Walid al-Moallem, and also representatives of the Syrian opposition.
Beijing recently sent Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming to Saudi Arabia and Iran to help lower tension caused by the execution of a controversial Shi'ite cleric and the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
The recent moves sparked speculation that China might send its troops to Syria to fight alongside Russian soldiers. Analysts are asking why China wants to step into a diplomatic mine field that poses serious risks.
"If you are able to make a difference in the Middle East, you will be regarded as a major country. China faces restrictions in the Middle East, but it is ready to play its role," said Li Shaoxian, vice president of Institute of Contemporary International Relations, a government-run think tank.
But Li says, 'Unlike Russia, China has no need or aspirations for a military role. We can accept anything that is in line with the desires of local people in another country.'
China is worried that disruptive events in the Middle East may impact the thinking in its vast Muslim population. It is possible that thousands of Chinese Muslims have migrated to fight for different forces in Syria, he said.
Managing contradictions
Analysts say there are signs Chinese leaders are determined to get a taste of managing disputes in the Middle East, which it has avoided for decades. One in particular is its effort to be friendly with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
"China is trying to strike a delicate balance. It wants to support the Palestinian cause because this will earn it respect and sympathy in the Middle East. But it cannot turn its back on the useful technologies that Israel can supply," Daud Abdullah, director of the London-based Middle East Monitor told VOA.
"We know, for instance, that Israel has been covertly supplying to China the arms know-how it acquired from the U.S."
Most analysts believe China will tread carefully, because taking sides in the tumultuous Mideast can have negative repercussions in its own region of Xinjiang, which is a hotbed of Islamic terrorism. For example, it is careful not to take a stance that would displease Turkey because Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang are Turkic speaking people.
"I think China is trying to find a political role for itself in the Middle East. It is difficult for China to stay neutral, but it is going to give it a try," Francesco Sisci, professor at the Renmin University in Beijing, said.
Economic motives
The Middle East is important because the region is one of the three routes chosen for China's Silk Road program, which is expected to boost the Chinese economy in a big way, Sisci said.
"Beijing will try to be neutral with regard to tensions among Iran, Saudi Arabia and Syria. But they want China to take a more clear cut stance," Hichem Karoui, political adviser at the Diplomatic Institute at Qatar, said.
Li cited three other reasons why China wants to play a major role in the Middle East. More than half of China's energy imports come from the region. It is an important aspect of the Silk Road program, which involves building infrastructure projects across several countries. And it is essential to play an important role in the Middle East to be taken seriously as a major power, he said.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/china/2016/china-160114-voa01.htm?_m=3n.002a.1614.qx0ao0791x.1he2
In-Depth Coverage
by Saibal Dasgupta January 14, 2016
Chinese President Xi Jinping's first official visit to the Middle East next week is a signal of Beijing's intention to be a major player in Mideast affairs, analysts say.
The Chinese government has not yet announced specifics of Xi's Mideast tour. But official agencies in Iran and Egypt say he will visit the region beginning January 20. This would be the first time in 12 years a Chinese president will visit the two countries. Xi is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia.
China, has been signaling its growing interest in dealing with thorny issues in the Middle East.
Beijing issued its first ever policy paper on the Arab world on Wednesday, promising to support Arab governments in their fight against terrorism through long-term security cooperation, intelligence sharing and technical cooperation. In December it hosted Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Walid al-Moallem, and also representatives of the Syrian opposition.
Beijing recently sent Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming to Saudi Arabia and Iran to help lower tension caused by the execution of a controversial Shi'ite cleric and the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
The recent moves sparked speculation that China might send its troops to Syria to fight alongside Russian soldiers. Analysts are asking why China wants to step into a diplomatic mine field that poses serious risks.
"If you are able to make a difference in the Middle East, you will be regarded as a major country. China faces restrictions in the Middle East, but it is ready to play its role," said Li Shaoxian, vice president of Institute of Contemporary International Relations, a government-run think tank.
But Li says, 'Unlike Russia, China has no need or aspirations for a military role. We can accept anything that is in line with the desires of local people in another country.'
China is worried that disruptive events in the Middle East may impact the thinking in its vast Muslim population. It is possible that thousands of Chinese Muslims have migrated to fight for different forces in Syria, he said.
Managing contradictions
Analysts say there are signs Chinese leaders are determined to get a taste of managing disputes in the Middle East, which it has avoided for decades. One in particular is its effort to be friendly with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
"China is trying to strike a delicate balance. It wants to support the Palestinian cause because this will earn it respect and sympathy in the Middle East. But it cannot turn its back on the useful technologies that Israel can supply," Daud Abdullah, director of the London-based Middle East Monitor told VOA.
"We know, for instance, that Israel has been covertly supplying to China the arms know-how it acquired from the U.S."
Most analysts believe China will tread carefully, because taking sides in the tumultuous Mideast can have negative repercussions in its own region of Xinjiang, which is a hotbed of Islamic terrorism. For example, it is careful not to take a stance that would displease Turkey because Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang are Turkic speaking people.
"I think China is trying to find a political role for itself in the Middle East. It is difficult for China to stay neutral, but it is going to give it a try," Francesco Sisci, professor at the Renmin University in Beijing, said.
Economic motives
The Middle East is important because the region is one of the three routes chosen for China's Silk Road program, which is expected to boost the Chinese economy in a big way, Sisci said.
"Beijing will try to be neutral with regard to tensions among Iran, Saudi Arabia and Syria. But they want China to take a more clear cut stance," Hichem Karoui, political adviser at the Diplomatic Institute at Qatar, said.
Li cited three other reasons why China wants to play a major role in the Middle East. More than half of China's energy imports come from the region. It is an important aspect of the Silk Road program, which involves building infrastructure projects across several countries. And it is essential to play an important role in the Middle East to be taken seriously as a major power, he said.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/china/2016/china-160114-voa01.htm?_m=3n.002a.1614.qx0ao0791x.1he2
Today at 6:53 am by Rocky
» MM&C The Iraqi Private Banks Association told NEWS: These are the results of the Prime Minister’s me
Today at 6:52 am by Rocky
» After a break of more than 9 years.. the resumption of a government trade meeting between Iraq and A
Today at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The general amnesty law will be passed
Today at 6:46 am by Rocky
» A change in the fuel smuggling map... “control” over the central ports and “laxity” in the north
Today at 6:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani takes three urgent decisions to block the wheat mafias in Iraq
Today at 6:41 am by Rocky
» Electricity embarks on an 11-axis plan to develop the energy sector
Today at 6:39 am by Rocky
» “Thug and smuggler.” A female representative talks about a crocodile in Parliament blackmailing exec
Today at 6:37 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani told the US State Department: Iraq is keen to strengthen its democratic system
Today at 6:36 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $275 million at auction today
Today at 6:34 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Commerce stresses the observance of the Iraqi standard in the supply of goods
Today at 6:33 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Trade Bank announces its participation in the process of localizing the salaries of Kurdis
Today at 6:32 am by Rocky
» Iraq adopts an advanced system to combat money laundering and terrorist financing
Today at 5:25 am by Rocky
» Increase in Euphrates River levels due to Turkish water releases
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Demands the need to legislate the capital law
Today at 5:21 am by Rocky
» Parliament decided to extend the legislative term by one month
Today at 5:20 am by Rocky
» A bank participating in the process of localizing the salaries of employees in the region
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary request to the Ministry of Finance regarding defense mobilization dues/document
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» Dollar prices in Baghdad and Kurdistan today
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed decides to increase the ceiling for granting “construction” loans to 75 million dinars
Today at 5:14 am by Rocky
» A government plan to expand the construction of water harvesting dams
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Frozen or banned? An Iranian official reveals the fate of Tehran’s money in Baghdad
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Trade Bank participates in the process of localizing the salaries of Kurdistan Region empl
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Finance confirms the Iraqi government's desire to benefit from the expertise of French companies
Today at 5:09 am by Rocky
» After targeting its branch in Kurdistan... Dana Gas announces a decrease in its profits to $38 milli
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» A parliamentary understanding to extend the legislative term to approve the 2024 budget schedules
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Stopping the Commission’s procedures regarding the region’s elections
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Foreign oil companies violate Iraqi laws
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» The position of Speaker of Parliament depends on the political agreement
Today at 5:04 am by Rocky
» The Ministry of Finance decides to send the April salary to the Kurdistan region
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» It did not reach the Council.. Parliament determines the mechanisms for dealing with the 2024 budget
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» 88 projects awaiting resolution.. What will happen to the stalled laws in Parliament? - Urgent
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives the US Undersecretary of State
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» It did not reach the Council.. Parliament determines the mechanisms for dealing with the 2024 budget
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Advisor to Al-Sudani: Sanctions on 32 private banks caused financial problems inside Iraq (video)
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» An expert comments on the use of the Iraqi currency in commercial transactions with Iran
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Why does Iraq depend on foreign banks for dollar transfers?
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The fuel smuggling map in Iraq has “radically changed” from what it was years ago
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Petroleum Products announces a decrease in gasoline imports by about 8 million liters
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Government advisor: Collections will shift almost completely to electronic payment in the middle of
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Complete decisions of the Council of Ministers session
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Today at 4:47 am by Rocky
» The National University holds its second international scientific conference with the participation
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary proposals to extend the legislative term of the House of Representatives to resolve th
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Hanoun: We are working on preparing a six-year strategy to combat corruption based on technology
Today at 4:44 am by Rocky
» The Ministerial Council for the Economy decides to stop the import of 6 crops due to their abundance
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Minister of Industry: He turned to Chinese companies to supply Iraq with spongy iron ores
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» A foreign report reveals the existence of an undeclared Iraqi-British agreement regarding asylum see
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» “Fares Issa” visits the Ministry of Finance and Economy in the Kurdistan Region
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Today at 4:38 am by Rocky
» The position of Speaker of Parliament.. Representatives confirm: “There is no amendment to the bylaw
Today at 4:36 am by Rocky
» Demands to put an end to foreign workers
Today at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Iranian official: We do not have frozen funds in Iraq
Today at 4:33 am by Rocky
» Entering 31 countries in the world without a visa.. A look at the Iraqi passport during 2024
Today at 4:32 am by Rocky
» An Iranian plan to export goods to Iraq worth $3 billion
Today at 4:31 am by Rocky
» The Board of Commissioners decides to suspend the technical and financial procedures for the Kurdist
Today at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Governorate approves the two paths of the development road
Today at 4:28 am by Rocky
» Mawazine publishes the full decisions of the Council of Ministers at its session today
Today at 4:26 am by Rocky
» Asaib: The Sunnis are accustomed to having an external actor leading them
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» The Iranian ambassador in Baghdad: The Sudanese government enjoys the support of the Shiite and Sunn
Today at 4:24 am by Rocky
» Politician: Representatives of Taqadum “hurt” Al-Halbousi and their party
Today at 4:23 am by Rocky
» “Deficit” is the password.. Parliamentary Finance decodes the budget delay
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The tourism sector will be a substitute resource for oil in the coming years
Today at 4:20 am by Rocky
» Finance confirms the Iraqi government's desire to benefit from the expertise of French companies
Today at 4:19 am by Rocky
» utube 5/4/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - No Float of Exchange Rate - Budget -2024 - Schedules -
Yesterday at 5:10 pm by Rocky
» After a break of more than 9 years.. the resumption of a government trade meeting between Iraq and A
Yesterday at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Yesterday at 8:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Yesterday at 8:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Yesterday at 7:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Yesterday at 7:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Yesterday at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Yesterday at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Yesterday at 7:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Yesterday at 7:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Yesterday at 7:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Yesterday at 7:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Yesterday at 7:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Yesterday at 7:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Yesterday at 7:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Yesterday at 7:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Yesterday at 7:28 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Yesterday at 5:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Yesterday at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Yesterday at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Yesterday at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Yesterday at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Yesterday at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Yesterday at 4:52 am by Rocky