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China’s moment

Roger McShane: Middle East editor, The Economist

As America retreats, the other superpower moves in

Iran and China, brothers-in-arms

ONCE IT GOT the coronavirus under control at home, China went on a diplomatic
offensive. Its aid was gratefully received in the Middle East. Egypt, the Gulf states, Iran
and Iraq all received shipments. “China has sent medical supplies and their best
experts...whereas America has not provided us with a single vial,” said Jafaar Allawi,
Iraq’s health minister at the time.

As America withdraws, China’s influence is growing. Just look at Iraq. Today China is its
biggest trading partner and, according to a former electricity minister, “our primary
option as a strategic partner in the long run.” The feeling is shared across much of the
region.

Access to energy is China’s primary motivation, but its relationship with the Middle East
goes beyond that. In return for oil China is building factories, ports and railways. It has
helped Saudi Arabia with its nuclear programme. Huawei, a Chinese telecoms giant,
does a large share of its 5G-networks business in the Middle East.