China's Balancing Strategy towards Iran and Saudi Arabia in West Asia

Rezapour, Danial; Saburi, Mustafa

doi:10.27834999/CSIW.2401.1359.1.32.5

China's Balancing Strategy towards Iran and Saudi Arabia in West Asia

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Danial Rezapour ¹

Mustafa Saburi ²

¹ professor assistant of political science and international relations, Gilan University, Gilan , Iran.

² PhD in International Relations, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.27834999/CSIW.2401.1359.1.32.5

Abstract

The West Asia region has always been of great importance to major powers, and it remains a core focus of research in this field. This article aims to explain China's balancing policy towards Iran and Saudi Arabia over the past decade, with a specific focus on regional balancing. The main research question posed is: What objectives does China pursue in West Asia and the Persian Gulf through its balancing strategy between Iran and Saudi Arabia? The study employs qualitative methodology and data collection through library resources to demonstrate that China seeks to secure its energy needs through long-term contracts and investments in these two countries. Additionally, China's foreign policy aims to counter visible and hidden conflicts with the American order in all regions worldwide, including the Persian Gulf. By respecting the sovereignty of Iran and Saudi Arabia, China aims to foster harmony, to support the security of both countries, to understand their security concerns, and to adopt a regional balancing policy in West Asia. In conclusion, China's approach towards Iran and Saudi Arabia reflects its strategic interests in the region. This research contributes to a better understanding of China's foreign policy towards West Asia and it provides insights into future developments in the region.

Keywords

Islamic Republic of Iran

Saudi Arabia

China

regional balancing

West Asia

Belt and Road Initiative

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