Explaining the Role of the Persian Gulf States in the US–China Geoeconomic Competition and Its Effects on the Security of the Persian Gulf (2018–2022)

Introduction
In recent decades, the Persian Gulf has occupied a key position in the global geopolitical and geoeconomic order and has played a prominent role in the interactions of major powers. Given the growing economic and strategic competition between the United States and China, the Persian Gulf states—owing to their abundant energy resources, sensitive geographical location, and diverse diplomatic relations—have become central actors in this rivalry. This study aims to examine the role of the Persian Gulf states in the geoeconomic competition between the United States and China and to analyze its effects on regional security and stability during the period 2018–2022. The main focus of the research is to understand the economic and political mechanisms employed by regional and extra-regional actors and 
to identify the challenges and opportunities that this competition has created for the geopolitical security of the Persian Gulf.
 
Methods
In terms of nature and method, the present study is descriptive-analytical, and in terms of purpose, it is applied. Regarding data collection, the study is survey-based. The statistical population consists of experts, specialists, employees, and professionals in the fields of international relations, geopolitics, and political science. In descriptive research, when the population size is unknown, Cochran's formula may be used. In this study, the sample size was calculated based on Cochran's model for an unlimited population. The result indicated a sample size of 82 participants; however, to increase the confidence level, 90 participants were selected as the final sample. Depending on the type of statistical population, different sampling methods may be used. In the present study, purposive random sampling was employed.
In the descriptive statistics section, frequency, frequency percentage, mean, and related measures were used. In the inferential statistics section, because the research variables were converted into quasi-interval variables, the level of importance or presence of each attribute was measured using a Likert scale: very high = 5, high = 4, moderate = 3, low = 2, and very low = 1. The score for each option was calculated by multiplying the frequency by the score assigned to that option. The total score for each question was then obtained by summing the scores of all options. By dividing the total score by the number of respondents, the mean score was calculated. Since the mean score for each question ranges from 1 to 5, this criterion was used to assess the importance of the questions or options. Finally, based on the results obtained from the questionnaire, field observations, and official documents, the findings were analyzed using SPSS software.
 
Findings
The findings indicate that, during the period 2018–2022, the Persian Gulf states played an active and multifaceted role in the geoeconomic competition between the United States and China. By attracting Chinese investment and expanding economic cooperation with China in the fields of energy and infrastructure, these states were able to benefit from opportunities for economic development while maintaining bargaining leverage against pressure from the United States. At the same time, the United States sought to limit China's influence in the region by strengthening security and military relations and relying on strategic alliances. These interactions enabled the Persian Gulf states to preserve energy security and domestic political stability while managing international competition in a calculated manner. As a result, they played a key role in the geopolitical stability of the region and were able to benefit simultaneously from the economic and security advantages offered by both major powers.
 
Conclusion
The results of the study show that, by adopting flexible and balanced strategies during the period 2018–2022, the Persian Gulf states were able to acquire a decisive position in the geoeconomic competition between the United States and China. The simultaneous use of Chinese investment opportunities and security guarantees through cooperation with the United States strengthened the economic and political position of these states and contributed to a degree of relative stability in the geopolitical realm of the Persian Gulf. Nevertheless, simultaneous dependence on two major powers exposes these countries to potential geopolitical and economic risks. Therefore, intelligent management and balanced policies aimed at safeguarding national interests and regional security remain a strategic necessity.