It is not difficult to see why US officials view China’s increasing influence in the Middle East with greater concern.
Through investments, trade, arms sales, and lately diplomacy, China has patiently built a strategic sphere of influence in the region that is only going to grow and more seriously challenge America’s regional position and interests.
But will China set off alarm bells in Washington and attempt to solidify its regional clout by establishing a permanent military presence in the region?
We believe that China has neither the willingness nor the ability anytime soon to substantially project military power into the Middle East. To continue to meet its ends in the Middle East, Beijing may not need to.
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