The Gulf and China: A Broadening Partnership?
ISPI MED THIS WEEK
“The UAE and China have a comprehensive strategic partnership – the highest form of diplomatic relationship and cooperation that China can offer other countries. But the absence of the UAE from the Gulf delegation in Beijing this week may indicate a strategy of hedging as it tries to reduce tensions with its other main security partner, the US. There have been differences between the two in recent months, following Washington’s claims that the Chinese have been building at a military facility at a port near Abu Dhabi, American opposition towards Huawei’s developing the UAE’s 5G network and the Emiratis’ decision to cancel a planned purchase of 50 Lockheed F-35 fighter jets.”
Guy Burton, Adjunct Professor, Vesalius College; and Visiting Fellow, Sectarianism, Proxies and De-sectarianism Project, Lancaster University
