After Sanctions, Chinese Move to Gain Middle East Foothold
Now that sanctions have been lifted against Iran, China is stepping up its involvement in the Middle East.
President Xi Jin Ping just completed a three-nation tour of the region, firming up political and economic ties.
Chinese political experts say the purpose of Xi's trip was to promote peace and stability between China and the Middle East.
The Chinese president's first stop was Saudi Arabia, China's biggest oil supplier, where he met
with King Salman. The two leaders discussed upgrading their countries' relationship and expanding their trading partnership.
During Xi's Saudi visit, the GCC (Cooperation Council of Gulf Arab States) resumed free-trade talks. Xi is hoping the talks will lead to a more open market for Chinese goods.
After Saudi Arabia, President Xi traveled to Egypt where the Chinese government has encouraged and supported large-scale projects, including the expansion of the Suez Canal. The canal is important to China for shipping its goods to Europe. The Egyptian prime minister thanked China for its partnership and said Xi's visit strengthened China-Egypt relations.
At Arab League headquarters in Cairo, the Chinese president delivered a speech outlining China's Middle East policy.
Xi stated firmly that China will cooperate with Arab countries and take steps to strengthen industrial production in the Middle East. He said China will do this by providing exclusive loans worth $15 billion.
The Chinese president's last stop was Tehran, where he became the first foreign head of a state to visit the Islamic Republic since the signing of the nuclear deal. Iranian President Rouhani said Xi's visit reflected the deep friendship between China and Iran.
"We are pleased that this visit is occurring at a historic period that follows the nuclear deal implementation and in the post-sanction era. Today we can sign some final documents on issues favored by both countries," Rouhani announced.
Meanwhile, President Xi expressed joy that China will maintain long-term, friendly relations with Iran.
"This is my first trip to Iran seeking to meet Iranian officials and a new chapter in Iran-China relations. We are going to increase cooperation in various areas and further consolidate friendship between the two nations," Xi said.
President Xi also called for joint efforts to reject extremism and oppose terrorism. While his trip was designed to expand dialogue, trade, and peace, his tour has helped strengthen China's foothold in the Middle East.
