China’s Growing Role in the Middle East
PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OSLO
This MidEast breakfast seminar will examine the consequences of China's engagement in the ongoing conflicts and fragile geopolitical balance in the Middle East. Issues that will be discussed include China's security and military assistance to volatile countries; the 'developmental peace' model and China's changing approach to regional conflicts; and the role of Chinese private security companies.
Historically, China’s ties with the Middle East have been mainly motivated by economic interests. But as Beijing’s presence in the region deepens, so does the need to protect its interests and citizens, potentially leading to increased engagement in regional conflicts.
At a moment when the US’ long-standing dominance over the Middle East shows signs of decline and European policymakers debate the future of Middle Eastern architecture, China is seeking to deepen its ties with countries in the region. As is the case for China’s involvement elsewhere, its approach is largely economically driven – has become the region’s biggest source of foreign direct investment – and it tends to become involved in substantial security provision only in countries where it has high economic stakes.
However, there are signs that China’s attitude may be changing and that it may pursue a more proactive agenda. Beijing’s role in the recent Saudi-Iran rapprochement is only the latest example of this. The emergence of a Chinese alternative, sometimes called the ‘developmental peace’ model, highlights the need for current donors and investors, including Norway, to review their own practices. What does the Chinese ‘alternative’ look like in the Middle East?
THE RECORDING OF THE EVENT IS AVAILABLE ON THE PRIO WEBSITE HERE AND ON SPOTIFY HERE.
