America views China as an economic and strategic competitor. So it has told Middle
Eastern countries not to get too close. But many Arab leaders see China as a more
reliable partner than America, which has been known to ask uncomfortable questions
about human rights and, anyway, seems fed up with the region.
To be sure, a lot of Arab states still rely on America for arms and protection. China
shows little interest in playing regional policeman. But its engagement is increasingly
strategic. Take its draft co-operation agreement with Iran, under which the two would
share intelligence and carry out joint research and weapons development. They already
train together.
It is a tricky balancing act for China, which has sold drones to Saudi Arabia and the
United Arab Emirates, Iran’s enemies. It is friendly with Israel, where Chinese state
enterprises have leased ports. China has also built ports on the Indian Ocean, ostensibly
for refuelling and resupply, that could be put to military use.
According to surveys of people in the region, China is a more popular global power than
America or Russia. Its influence in the Middle East will only grow in 2021.
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