China and Russia have a long history of political and economic ties. There are components such as neighborhood; extensive area, large population, and ideological closeness of the two countries that made them attractive and important to each other. However, the United States and Russia have previously competed over the Middle East, but Russia and China, along with cooperation, have a common goal which is seeking to minimize the U.S. influence in the region. (Photo quoted from Yahoo's image)

But now, due to the change in international relations, we are witnessing a resurgence of the rivalry of the great powers in influential regions such as the Middle East. Therefore, the Middle East is becoming an important region in the competition between Russia and China. 

The U.S. government's policy of turning to Asia would increase the vacuum and competition in the Middle East. On the other hand, given China's growing interests in the Middle East as well as Russia's broader interests, the region could soon become part of the competition.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, China and Russia moved into a strategic cooperation. In recent years, there has been a desire for Sino-Russian cooperation and convergence in the Middle East to resolve regional disputes, a broad dialogue to find common ground, and the strengthening of strategic cooperation and close interaction. 

But despite the two countries' commonalities, there are concerns about China's ambitions and greater Chinese influence in Russia's spheres of influence. So the Middle East is a new arena for friction.

In fact, Russia is increasing its presence in the region and is trying to maintain its influence in the Middle East for economic, political, and military reasons. Moscow considers the Middle East vital to itself and has established strong cooperation with major and minor actors such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE. It also seeks to establish naval and air bases and expand its soft power in the Middle East. 

In contrast, China is a powerful new player in the Middle East. Previously, Beijing focused only on economic issues related to this region; but today it is also working to increase political and military participation and presence. 

China, as a great growing power, has enhanced its economic cooperation and infrastructure projects, and used its soft power to increase its influence, and, most importantly, developed its cultural exchanges.

Moreover, while seeking friendly relations with important and even involved countries, China seeks to ensure the stability of its geopolitical presence, so that it can continue its projects in the region. Meanwhile, China may pose a serious challenge to Russia's position.  

China and Russia, meanwhile, are focusing on arms sales to the Middle East to boost their economy and military influence in the Middle East. Arms may increase competition and geopolitical influence in the Middle East. Nuclear capabilities, the export of nuclear technology, and its expansion into the Middle East nuclear market could also push China and Russia into the greater competition.

What is clear is that geostrategic changes are taking place in the Middle East. Russia and China are competing to benefit from them. The Middle East is an important region, and both countries are on a competitive path in the region. 

Now, although the scope of common interests of Russia and China in the Middle East is wider, but, as the United States shrinks in power in the region and China expands its desire for a full-fledged presence in the region, both actors are seizing opportunities to increase their influence in the Middle East. Therefore, in the medium term, the nature of the Beijing-Moscow conflict in the Middle East and its areas is more competitive than cooperative.

Farzad Ramezani Bonesh

Senior Researcher and Analyst of International Affairs

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