The Position of the Persian Gulf Countries in China's Foreign Policy: A Case Study of the Belt and Road Initiative

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Regional Studies, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD Student, Scientific Fellow, Institute for Security and Progress Studies, Abrar Moaser Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

10.22099/ijas.2025.52498.1029

Abstract

Although the geographical location, resources, and capabilities of countries are important to China's global strategy, the Arab states of the Persian Gulf 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 national development visions of the Persian Gulf states. This situation has raised concerns in 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 the initiative. Therefore, this paper argues that the Persian Gulf region lies at the heart of China's interests and the imperatives of the Belt and Road Initiative. It highlights the position of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf within the framework of the BRI and showcases how each country is gradually integrating into the initiative's projects. Furthermore, it discusses alternative Western strategies and projects aimed at countering or obstructing the BRI and assesses the applicability of these approaches to the Persian Gulf Arab states. The paper also explores China's potential responses if the initiative proves unsuccessful and the implications of such outcomes.

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Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Asian Studies
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
January 2025
Pages 141-180

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