ABSTRACT

This book explores a range of key issues connected to China’s relations with countries in the Middle East and South Asia. It discusses economic and political connections, and projects which have arisen as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It covers both important countries in the Middle East, and also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. It examines current contentious issues including Iranian sanctions and the war in Syria, and assesses the roles of other powers such as Russia, Turkey and Israel insofar as they affect China’s relationships. Overall, the book presents many new perspectives on the subject, with many of the perspectives representing the view from the countries of the Middle East and South Asia.

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|30 pages

China in the Middle East and North Africa

An Empirical Inquiry on China's Expansion towards the West

chapter 3|22 pages

The Sino–Iranian Relationship

A Role Theory Approach to a Non-Western Great Power-Middle Power Partnership

chapter 4|17 pages

Iran's ‘Eastward Turn' in a Turning World

Reassessing Sanctions as a Driver of China-Iran Trade

chapter 6|22 pages

Strategic Transformations of China's Relations with GCC States

From a Unidimensional Relationship to a Multilayered Partnership

chapter 7|25 pages

The Emerging Security Role of Turkey and China in the Middle East

Avoiding a Possible Clash in the Future

chapter 8|23 pages

China's Role in Post-War Syria

Does it Strengthen or Undermine the Sino–Russian Cooperation?

chapter 11|22 pages

China's Changing Posture towards Afghanistan

A New Classical Realist Explanation