**U.S., China Butt Heads in Middle East as Gulf Tensions Flare**
BEIJING AND WASHINGTON — China’s push to deepen its footprint in the Middle East is putting it on a collision course with the United States, which views the region as its own sphere of influence. The escalating tensions between the two global powers are raising the risk of sanctions as they jockey for control of energy resources, trade routes and military alliances.
China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, embarked on a five-nation tour of the Gulf this week, seeking to bolster economic and diplomatic ties. But his visit coincided with a heightened military alert by the United States, which is concerned about Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, a close U.S. ally.
The Biden administration has accused Iran of being behind a series of attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, as well as on Saudi oil facilities. Iran denies the charges, but the incidents have raised tensions in the region and put China in a difficult position.
China has close economic ties with Iran, but it also relies on Saudi Arabia for oil imports. Beijing has tried to maintain a neutral stance in the conflict between the two countries, but it is becoming increasingly difficult as the U.S. pressures China to take a more active role in countering Iran.
“China is trying to walk a fine line between the U.S. and Iran,” said Shireen Hunter, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Georgetown University. “But it’s becoming increasingly difficult as the U.S. steps up its pressure campaign against Iran.”
The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that have been involved in supplying Iran with oil and other goods. Washington has also warned that it could impose sanctions on China if it does not do more to rein in Iran’s nuclear program.
China has resisted U.S. pressure, arguing that sanctions are counterproductive and that dialogue is the best way to resolve the issue. But the Biden administration has been clear that it is willing to use sanctions to force China to comply with its demands.
The risk of sanctions is a major concern for China, which is already facing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanctions would further damage its economy and make it more difficult for Beijing to pursue its ambitions in the Middle East.
In addition to the risk of sanctions, China is also facing growing military competition from the United States in the Middle East. The U.S. has deployed additional troops to the region and has increased its naval presence in the Persian Gulf. China has responded by sending its own warships to the region, and it is also seeking to build closer military ties with Iran.
The escalating military competition between the U.S. and China in the Middle East is raising the risk of a direct conflict between the two countries. Such a conflict would have devastating consequences for the region and for the world economy.
China and the U.S. need to find a way to manage their competition in the Middle East without resorting to conflict. The two countries should engage in dialogue and cooperation to address their common concerns, such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation and climate change. They should also work together to promote stability in the region and to ensure the free flow of oil and other vital resources.
The stakes are high. The future of the Middle East and the global economy hang in the balance..
