The UAE and its critical role in China’s geopolitical and strategic ambitions

Abstract

In the dynamic landscape of global competition between China and the United States, the Arabian Gulf region emerges as a crucial theater, primarily due to its role as the world's leading oil producer and a pivotal transit point for global energy supplies. While the US maintains a dominant military presence in the Gulf, safeguarding its interests against global economic threats and Iran, China has ascended as the region’s principal economic partner, heavily reliant on Gulf states like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar for its energy needs. This thesis examines the UAE's role in China's geopolitical and strategic ambitions. The findings reveal that while the UAE holds a significant position in China's economic and connectivity plans, it is not deemed critically indispensable to China's broader geopolitical strategies. Factors such as the UAE's stable political environment, conducive investment climate, and pragmatic leadership amplify its importance, yet its relatively smaller size and the internal complexities of larger regional players like Iran and Saudi Arabia temper its fundamental role in China's strategic consideration.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Brendon Cannon (Supervisor)