China's foreign policy towards the Persian Gulf countries with emphasis on the Belt and Road Initiative

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Regional Studies Student, University of Tehran

2 Faculty member of the Institute for Security and Progress Studies, Abrar Moaser Research Institute, Tehran

10.22099/ijas.2025.52498.1029

Abstract

Although the geographical location, resources, and capabilities of countries are important to China's global strategy, the Persian Gulf Arab states were not initially part of the core framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. However, recently, China and these countries have taken steps to link the initiative with their projects by signing strategic partnerships and aligning with the Persian Gulf states' national development visions. This situation has raised concerns for the United States and its allies, some of whom view China as a serious challenge to their national security. As a result, they are working to create obstacles to this initiative. Therefore, this paper argues that the Persian Gulf region lies at the heart of China's interests and the requirements of the Belt and Road Initiative. It highlights the position of the Persian Gulf Arab states within the framework of the BRI and showcases how each country is gradually integrating into the initiative's projects. Furthermore, it discusses alternative Western methods and projects aimed at countering or obstructing the BRI and assesses the applicability of these approaches in the Persian Gulf Arab states. The paper also explores China's potential responses if the initiative proves unsuccessful and the implications of such outcomes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of Asian Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 March 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics