China in the Middle East
Just how it looks to Africa
for its abundance in raw materials, the Middle Kingdom has also begun to move into
the Arabian Peninsula to fulfill its lack of fossil fuels. While the PRC has
started investments in “greener” energy solutions, it still must increase its
oil imports to meet its ever-growing
domestic oil demand; a demand that is predicted to exceed the United States’,
who is the current leader in oil consumption, within four years. Due to actions
in the past decade, many Middle Eastern countries have developed a sense of distrust
toward Western investors, leaving a void that China has been happy to fill.
Just today, Jordan and China have signed into existence a plan to build a $2.5
Billion oil shale-fired power plant, allowing China to get a foot into the
door of a country that holds the fourth largest reserve of oil shale in the
world. This
trend of investment continues, even in countries deemed “hostile”, like Iraq,
Egypt and Yemen.
As
the US begins to shift its attention to maintaining its foothold in the
Pacific, it now must keep one eye on the Middle East; following the ever
growing flow of investment capital. While the PRC’s involvement in the Middle
East may turn out to be harmful to US long-term strategic interests, America
has begun attempts to utilize China’s growing sphere of influence. John Kerry met
with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the 18th to discuss China’s
leverage in the Syrian crisis.
All
in all, China continues in its game of catch-up, perpetually a step behind the
majority of developed nations. While the West has begun to look for ways out of
the Middle East, China has just started its courtship. While the West has begun
to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels, China’s requirement for oil steadily
grows. As the West begins to rethink its plans to stabilize the Middle East,
China picks up this ever daunting task.
Cited:
Amman. " .:Middle
East Online::Jordan seals deal with China to build oil shale-fired plant in
Karak:.." MIddle East Online. N.p., 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Sept. 2013.
<http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=61473>.
FlorCruz, Michelle,
and Jacey Fortin. "The Takeover: Stable China Looks To Volatile Middle
East For Investment Opportunities As West Backs Away." International
Business Times - International Business News, Financial News, Market News,
Politics, Forex, Commodities. N.p., 11 Apr.
2013. Web. 20 Sept. 2013.
<http://www.ibtimes.com/takeover-stable-china-looks-volatile-middle-east-investment-opportunities-west-backs-away-1249621>.
Rapoza, Kenneth.
"Within Four Years, China To Consume More Oil Than U.S. - Forbes." Information for
the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com.
N.p., 25 Aug. 2013. Web. 20 Sept. 2013.
<http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2013/08/25/within-four-years-china-to-consume-more-oil-than-u-s/>.
"Remarks With
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Before Their Meeting." U.S. Department
of State. N.p., 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 Sept. 2013.
<http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks
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