The latest developments in Sino-Gulf relations marked the opening of a new period. China aspires to use the current geopolitical situation in the Gulf as a bandwagon to get the GCC states behind its policies. Nevertheless, disagreements among the Gulf states continue to hinder China’s aspirations. There are significant divergences in foreign policy approaches between the GCC states. Therefore, a common Gulf foreign policy position towards China is more complex than it seems.

Mordechai Chaziza is a senior lecturer at the Department of Politics and Governance and the division of Multidisciplinary Studies in Social Science at Ashkelon Academic College, Israel. Dr. Chaziza also holds a Ph.D. from Bar-Ilan University. His research focuses on China-Middle east and North African relations.