Like most other major global powers that have preceded it, China is becoming entangled in the Middle East. A friendlier region to its interests than its own neighborhood in East Asia, China found in the Middle East an attractive zone for building economic ties. The problem is that the MENA region is currently in tumult. China in West AsiaThe MENA region—or what China calls West Asia—has been a critical area for Beijing for several decades. For China, OBOR is a means to further expand trade, make obtaining natural resources easier, enhance China’s regional reputation, and to strengthen underdeveloped western provinces within China.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 15, 2016 13:52 UTC