How The Gulf Can Win The Us-China Geopolitics Game

As the interest between China and the Gulf countries continues to grow at an exponential rate, experts predict the 35-year-relationship will continue to strengthen in the years to come.

- Caline Malek

Following Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s visit to China this summer, a number of agreements were signed between both countries. The visit comes after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing in April. The visits come as trade between the UAE and China deepens. Trade between the two nations is set to hit $70bn next year.

According to Dr Albadr Al Shateri, a politics professor at the National Defence College, the relationship between China and the UAE is quite significant. “The word from Beijing is that the UAE and China are strategic allies, which goes beyond the obvious economic benefits that both countries will definitely reap. The size of the delegation led by the Crown Prince and his official entourage speaks volumes of the breadth and depth of the relationship. It touches all facets of relations between [the] two states.” Relations between the UAE and China have witnessed a sea of change since the times of the late UAE founder Sheikh Zayed, as he laid the foundation for such a relationship that has only grown since. “Sheikh Zayed did not miss the opportunity, and was far-sighted to see the significance and potential of China on the world stage,” Dr Al Shateri said. “The driver of the relationship includes China surpassing the US economy as measured by GDP purchasing power parity.”