CHINA’S GEO-ECONOMIC INTERESTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

China is a relative newcomer to the Middle East region. Indeed, as it not in China’s immediate neighbourhood, for long time its importance Beijing remained low. This began change early 2000s. Due impressive economic expansion, marked by joining World Trade Organization 2001, energy consumption growth rate accelerated, making energy-rich region increasingly crucial security. Thus, destabilization that came with Global War on Terror declared United States result of 9/11 terrorist attack, endangered interests. At same time, however, having significant Muslim minorities own, was keen maintain security Muslim-majority provinces and used GWOT justification curbing threat internal, separatist “Islamic terrorism”. Eventually, then, accommodate growing interest region, expanded “greater neighbourhood” include well. Presently, while still key partner Beijing, one main suppliers gas oil, an important export destination, territory continuous construction activity Chinese companies under Belt Road Initiative (BRI), object large-scale charm offensive. Slowly, becoming Beijing’s interests