China’s Growing Influence in the Gulf
A 25-year agreement between Iran and China has sparked rumblings over what this means about the bilateral relationship as well as China’s ties with Gulf Arab partners. With a global pandemic and low oil prices putting pressure on Gulf diversification efforts and Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign weighing on Iran, AGSIW explores China’s influence in the Gulf region.
Strategic Partnership Agreement With China Represents Lifeline for Iran
The Iran-China agreement appears as a framework for cooperation. Its realization depends on external factors over which Iran has no influence.

China’s Gulf Partnerships Likely to Weather Current Global Crises
The complementary nature of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Gulf “vision” development programs has established another pillar of China-Gulf cooperation.

China’s Balancing Act in the Gulf Relies on Ties to Iran and Arab States
The China-Iran deal may be a stepping stone to increased ties between Tehran and Beijing, but the Gulf Arab states remain integral to Beijing’s economic projection in the Middle East.
6 min read

Oman’s Bittersweet Economic Relations With China
Oman’s precarious reliance on energy exports to China and insufficient Chinese investment in non-oil segments of the Omani economy leave the sultanate in a weak position to address urgent economic challenges.

Jul 23, 2020
How China Is Quietly Expanding Its Economic Influence in the Gulf
The coronavirus pandemic and oil price rout have provided China the opportunity to expand its dimensions of economic influence in the Gulf.
2 min read