The increasing engagement of Iran towards China is nothing but a significant issue in the Gulf region. Yet, despite this, GCC countries have been cooperating with China in areas such as trade, investments, politics, and even culture.
In this episode, we are joined by Mohammed Al-Sudairi, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Asian Studies Program at King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies -- KFCRIS. Mohammed and Jonathan talked about the political view of GCC towards China, GCC countries' relationship with China regarding people, culture, and businesses, and how the competition narrative of the two countries, the US and China, is perceived in the region.
Key Takeaways:
The political perspective of GCC countries toward China
The early diplomatic ties of some GCC countries with China
Oman and Kuwait's early relations with China suddenly became passive.
Chinese investments moving to other countries due to bad politics
The Sino-Arab citizens assimilate the culture and life of Arab people
Competition narrative of US and China in GCC
Impression of Gulf people towards China
The Saudi citizens trying to live in the Mainland China
Quotes:
Energy has been the main catalyst for this orientation between GCC and China - Mohammed
There is solidified imagery about China as a potential alternative to the U.S.- Mohammed
A lot of these individuals wrote about their experiences and depicted China as this great liberatory power. - Mohammed
Featured in this Episode:
Jonathan Fulton
Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi
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Mohammed Al-Sudairi
Senior Research Fellow and Head of Asian Studies Program at KFCRIS
King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Asian Studies Unit Head
Profile: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:38 GCC’s attitude towards China
06:04 Early diplomatic ties of GCC with China
08:06 Early relations between China and GCC suddenly become silent
10:45 Moving to other countries
14:55 Regional representation of the Gulf Peninsula
17:00 Sino-Arab citizens
20:44 US-GCC relations
22:55 Competition narrative of US and China in GCC countries
32:57 Impressions of Gulf people toward China
40:32 Saudi people moving to China
