For many years, China has been expanding its influence to every corner of the globe. And while its strategic priorities remain anchored in the Western Pacific—where it faces great-power rivalry with the United States, myriad territorial disputes, tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the potential for military conflict over the Taiwan Strait—its steadily growing presence in regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has produced strategic interests that cannot be treated lightly. Nonetheless, in the midst of significant turmoil in the region that could threaten Chinese interests, Beijing remains overly cautious and largely ineffective in shaping a more stable and peaceful outcome. While there are various interpretations for this, including ones that see Chinese policy evolving to be more assertive in regional affairs, the temptation to maintain a risk-averse approach that has proven beneficial over many years may be difficult to overcome in spite of the opportunities it may present.  

Written by Jingdong Yuan & Alaa Tartir 

Published by The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council), 19 November 2024

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