An example of this is the way that China maintains a balanced position in the ongoing Saudi-Iran conflict.

Furthermore, China’s constructive collaboration means that Beijing refrains from political involvement and instead builds its policies upon pragmatism. The more than cordial welcome afforded by participating countries is in itself evidence of the opportunities that the initiative offers in terms of accelerated economic development through diversification. Moreover, the region adjoins the critical maritime routes of the Bosphorus, Dardanelles, Bab El-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.īy early 2020, China had signed up more than two hundred BRI collaborations. The Middle East is important for the BRI primarily because of its location not only is it at the crossroads of three continents - Asia, Africa and Europe - but also at the junction of five seas: the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. Both sides have mutual interests in integrating the BRI into national regeneration schemes, such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2021, Jordan 2025, Turkey’s Middle Corridor and Kuwait’s Vision 2035. In large part, Chinese investment in the Middle East particularly focuses on energy, infrastructure, construction, agriculture and finance. Over the past few years, China has substantially increased its economic and diplomatic dialogue with countries in the Middle East.

The Chinese model of south-south cooperation ensures that not only will Beijing profit from sustained development but the associate country will also reap benefits. The former apparatus includes roads, railways and pipelines while the latter is comprised of ports and coastline development. The initiative encompasses both land-based and maritime components which are meant to be conducted concurrently.

The BRI is a titanic project focused on increasing connectivity by opening up avenues for diplomatic and economic activity, thereby cementing trade and commercial ties between China and partner countries. ( Middle East Monitor) – China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) stands as the most prominent example of the pivotal shift in Chinese foreign policy from Deng Xiaoping’s “ bide and hide” philosophy to the current ambitious endeavours.

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