MIDDLE EAST HISTORY POLITICS CULTURE XIII MIDDLE EAST XIII | Page 184

Sunni states. The best illustrative example for this case is China’s flourishing
relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. 30
In the Middle East region any shift is quite possible. In accordance
with China’s modernization, Beijing determined to coexist with a more
revolutionary line in the Middle East, meanwhile its foreign policy and
strategy was directed to prevent the Soviet Union’s hegemony. On the other
hand, taking advantage of the Arabs’ reaction against the Western dominating
power and influence, Chinese leadership decided to deepen their cooperation
with the Middle Eastern powers, thus combining two phenomena together:
developing technological innovations at home, and denunciation of ‘cultural
imperialism’ created by the West. But in fact, such kind of rapid shift seemed
impossible at that time. Such a dramatic change in Beijing’s party line and in
diplomacy could take place only in future. It could occur only after China
gains special place and increasing influence in the region. China’s quest for
economic reforms, technological development and stable policy in the Middle
East, however, soon made its leaders realize about the need of normalization
of Sino-American relations. 31
Chinese leaders did not hurry in their steps avoiding to take such a
serious responsibility. They decided to develop relations with the Middle
Eastern states a little bit slower, but in regular and constant way. Thus, by the
time of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979, China’s foreign policy adopted
a neutral approach. Beijing’s objective was based on the principles of not
involving in the internal affairs of other states. China avoided costly
responsibilities, at the same time it had no intention for becoming hegemon
in the region. Chinese government remained neutral during the Iraq-Iran
War (1980-1988) as well, although its enthusiasm for trade drove the country
to sell weapons to both of the sides.
Indeed, in China-Middle East relations energy cooperation has its
unique place, however, it is not the whole story. Being a significant supplier
of resources to global economy, Middle East is going to remain of key
importance to Beijing’s sustainable economic drive, as more than half of
China’s oil comes from this region. Accordingly, more stable Middle East is
Chubin S., Iran and China: Political Partners or Strategic Allies, in China’s Growing
Role in the Middle East: Implications for the Region and Beyond, Washington, DC:
Nixon Center, 2010, p. 68.
31 Neill, նշվ. աշխ., էջ208:
30
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