China is poised to strengthen its political and economic presence in the Middle East over the next four years. This engagement will be motivated primarily by a need to secure energy resources and enhance diplomatic relations, per commentary from Brookings.

The issue:  

China's reliance on Middle Eastern oil remains a core challenge, with approximately 53% of its crude imports coming from the region in 2022. This dependence will persist despite efforts to diversify energy sources, particularly as the country aims to reduce carbon emissions while still increasing oil usage.

What they recommend:  

No recommendations provided in the commentary.

Go deeper:  

China's economic engagement with the Middle East reached nearly $229 billion in 2022, highlighting a growing interest beyond just energy. Investments in sectors like technology and infrastructure suggest that China aims to create stronger trade ties and reduce overdependence on oil. The Gaza conflict may shift China's diplomatic strategies, prompting a reassessment of relationships with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

This is a brief overview of a commentary from Brookings. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full commentary.