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<p>The Persian Gulf is a vital market for Chinese goods, Beijing’s primary energy supplier, and a region crucial to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The region has long been divided by intense rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resulting in tension and sectarian conflict. China is the only external power with strong political and economic ties with all Gulf countries. Consequently, the desire of both Iran and Saudi Arabia for closer relations with China poses a challenge. China recognizes that establishing strategic ties with these countries can spread Chinese influence and guarantee a stable oil supply. Although China once focused exclusively on the economic dimension of its ties with Gulf states, it now prioritizes strengthening these relationships across multiple dimensions to safeguard its interests. This shift was epitomized by China’s 2023 brokering of an agreement to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.</p>

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China’s strategic approach to the Persian gulf: balancing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月9日

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  • Ali Fattah

摘要

The Persian Gulf is a vital market for Chinese goods, Beijing’s primary energy supplier, and a region crucial to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The region has long been divided by intense rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resulting in tension and sectarian conflict. China is the only external power with strong political and economic ties with all Gulf countries. Consequently, the desire of both Iran and Saudi Arabia for closer relations with China poses a challenge. China recognizes that establishing strategic ties with these countries can spread Chinese influence and guarantee a stable oil supply. Although China once focused exclusively on the economic dimension of its ties with Gulf states, it now prioritizes strengthening these relationships across multiple dimensions to safeguard its interests. This shift was epitomized by China’s 2023 brokering of an agreement to restore diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.