Introduction : China's Economic and Political Presence in the Middle East and South Asia

Abstract

This book assesses China's economic and political presence in the Middle East and South Asia with a particular focus on Beijing's relations with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates - Iran, Turkey, Syria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Israel. At the heart of all of China's interactions with these countries lies the ever-important aspect of economic relations. Understanding China's investments in and trade relations with these countries are topics that are assessed in each chapter of this book. While the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is considered as a major factor in the expansion of ties with Beijing, each chapter tracks back to the origins of relations that predate the establishment of the BRI. Moreover, every contribution was written by experts in the field of International Relations, either from the political or economic perspective, with a special emphasis on Chinese Foreign Policy or Middle East Politics. The result is a combination of scholarly approaches that enrich the ongoing debate and discussions on the future of China's presence in the Middle East and South Asia.