I shared my insights in this SCMP article on China’s relations with the Gulf Arab states, reiterating my views on how the monarchies are not only addressing the perennial issue of economic diversification, but also the diversification of partnerships — pointing to the adoption of a proactive foreign policy.
To go further, I would add three points on the side of the article. First, China’s reassertion, if not, intransigence over the BRI’s continued relevance is shown by the optics of black and white — recurring mentions of the BRI in the official statements during XI’s visit to the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia is an important recipient of Chinese investments in the BRI. Second, for Beijing, energy security remains key and the prerequisite to such security is regional stability. Xi specifically said China intends to build on current GCC-China cooperation. Third, where an FTA with the GCC is concerned, there may be potential for finalising a deal, but the status quo also means that China is able to work out issues with varying degrees of concern with each Gulf Arab state – offering some flexibility in bilateral negotiations. The Singapore-GCC FTA, for instance, was a landmark deal that came into force in 2013 but has since plateaued after initial optimism, as the modus operandi became increasingly bilateral.
Photo: Ling Tang, Unsplash
Dr. Clemens Chay 