China’s Foreign Policy towards GCC States: Under XI Jinping Leadership (2013-2023)

Abstract

Since Xi Jinping became President of China in 2013, China's strategic interest in the Middle East in general and the Persian Gulf subregion in particular is growing. The traditionally focused energy ties between China and Gulf cooperation members have significantly evolved, oil is no longer the only noticeable consideration as the economic engagement has broadened dramatically over the past decade in terms of renewable energy, infrastructure, trade, technology and investment. The research examines the internal and external factors of Xi Jinping‘s foreign policy and deepening of economic engagement with GCC from year 2013 – 2023. The study argues that China utilizes these strengthening economic links as an opportunity to expand its influence in the Middle East. Brokering peace deals, convening leadership summits and gradual engagement in military and security, the establishment of a Comprehensive strategic partnership with KSA and UAE, is paving the way for Beijing‘s toolkit for political and diplomatic influence. In this context, Xi‘s engagement with Gulf monarchs is of paramount importance, especially with KSA and the UAE which have significant regional and strategic positions in the Middle East. The study uses a qualitative methodology, utilizing primary and secondary sources, and primarily employing Neo-Classical realism to analyze the factors driving China's policies, the prime focus of the research in the Gulf Cooperation Council is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.