China-MENA Multilateralism: Challenges And Opportunities

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region increasingly supports China’s version of multilateralism. This is characterized by a focus on economic cooperation and a lack of transparency and accountability.

There are many reasons for this support, including the desire to diversify their economies away from oil, to balance their relations with the United States, and to create a more multipolar world order.

Economic Diversification

The MENA region has long depended on oil exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in the global oil market. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this vulnerability, as the decline in oil prices has led to a sharp drop in government revenues in many MENA countries.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) allows MENA countries to diversify their economies and reduce their reliance on oil exports. The BRI is a massive infrastructure project connecting China with Europe and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure.

MENA countries hope to benefit from the BRI by attracting Chinese investment in new infrastructure projects and increasing their exports to China.

Political Diversification

The United States has traditionally been the main security partner for MENA countries, but there is a growing perception that the US is no longer as reliable as it once was. This is due to several factors, including the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the Trump administration’s perceived neglect of the region.

China is seen as a more reliable partner by many MENA countries. China has not been involved in any military interventions in the region and has not imposed any political conditions on its economic cooperation with MENA countries. This makes China an attractive partner for countries looking to diversify their political relationships.

Multipolar Order

The United States has been the dominant power in the world for the past several decades, but there is a growing sense that this is no longer sustainable. China is seen as one of the main challengers to US dominance, and MENA countries are hoping to use their relationship with China to help create a more balanced world order.

A multipolar world order would benefit MENA countries by giving them more options and bargaining power. It would also make it less likely that any country could dominate the region and impose its will on others.

Challenges

There are some challenges associated with China’s version of multilateralism. One challenge is the lack of transparency and accountability. Chinese-led organizations are often opaque and secretive, which makes it difficult for MENA countries to know what they are getting into.

Another challenge is the potential for China to use its economic power to exert political influence in the region. For example, China has been accused of using its economic ties with Pakistan to pressure the country to support its positions on issues such as the South China Sea.

Despite these challenges, MENA countries will likely continue supporting China’s version of multilateralism. China is a rising power with growing global economic and political influence. MENA countries believe that working with China can improve their economic and political prospects.

The growing support for China’s version of multilateralism in the MENA region has implications for the United States. The US has traditionally been the dominant power in the region, but it faces increasing competition from China. The US must find ways to compete with China in the MENA region or risk losing its influence.

The US can compete with China in the MENA region by offering MENA countries a more attractive alternative. This could include providing more economic assistance, investing in more infrastructure projects, and being more involved in the region’s political affairs.

The US will also need to address the concerns of MENA countries about China’s lack of transparency and accountability.

The competition between the US and China in the MENA region will likely intensify in the coming years. The outcome of this competition will have a significant impact on the future of the region.