ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evolution of China's energy diplomacy towards the Middle East from the 1990s. It explores the prospects for China's future role in the Middle East, and the likely implications for regional stability. Given the geopolitical significance of the Middle East, China's greater presence has not only triggered a lot of controversies, due to its position towards the Iran nuclear crisis, but has also challenged the primacy of the USA in the region. As a result, China's policy towards the Middle East, together with its 'peaceful rise' strategy, has become an essential part of the debate over energy security and regional stability of the Persian Gulf. In the aftermath of the Gulf war of 1990-1991, Beijing was very keen to establish its credentials as a responsible international player, supportive of regional peace and stability, to make up its passive stance in the pre-war era. Finally, the chapter presents case-studies of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq.
