China Strengthens Military Ties with Middle Eastern States Amid Western Restrictions
In recent years, security relations between China and countries in the Middle East have intensified, capitalizing on shortfalls caused by strict export control policies imposed by the West. And the signs point towards a continuation of this trend.
Experts Warn: Opportunity for China if the US Doesn’t Consolidate Alliances
Regional defense experts have stated to Breaking Defense that these ties remain limited for now. However, they cautioned that the situation could change in the future, especially if Washington fails to consolidate the close and binding defense partnerships sought by some of the United States’ Gulf Arab allies.
Joint Maritime Exercise with Saudi Arabia: A Signal of the New Reality
The latest manifestation of China’s strengthening security relations in the region is the joint maritime exercise that its navy began on October 20th with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. Entitled Blue Sword 2025, this is the third edition of the annual two-week joint exercise for the two countries.
China Misses No Opportunity: Security Relations on the Rise
„China is not missing any opportunity to develop security relations with countries in the region,” said Gamal Sultan, a senior researcher at the Al Ahram Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Cairo.
A Strategic Pivot: China Extends its Influence in the Region
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told Breaking Defense that „China is interested in gaining a broader strategic foothold in the region,” and one way to do this is by selling defense systems that lead to long-term strategic relationships.
Chinese Drones Fill the Gap: Advanced Technology Available
Chinese long-range and medium-altitude surveillance and attack drones, such as the CH-4 Rainbow and GJ-1 Wing Loong II, were sold to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in different batches between 2010 and 2018, after the US refused the requests of its allies to purchase MQ-9 drones.
China Responds Affirmatively: A Reliable Alternative
When any of the US’s Arab allies seek defense technology after Washington rejects the request, „China does not hesitate to respond positively to such requests,” Sultan told Breaking Defense.
A Firm Position: Long-Term Strategic Ties
Selling major defense systems to the oil-rich countries would provide China with a firm position in the region.
Strategic and Technical Dependencies: A Sustainable Partnership
According to Abdulaziz Sager, President of the Gulf Research Center in Riyadh, „the acquisition of weapons is not a one-time transaction, but the beginning of a long-term relationship. Given that the typical lifespan of major weapons systems is about 20-25 years, arms sales establish sustainable strategic and technical dependencies between supplier and client.”
US Tries to Recover Ground: Relaxing Restrictions on Drone Sales
President Donald Trump’s administration appears to be on track to remedy this situation, announcing on September 15th that it has taken steps to relax restrictions on the sale of drones in the region, to increase competitiveness against other arms exporters, especially China.
