China's Relations with the Gulf Monarchies

Description

As China's international political role grows, its relations with states outside of its traditional sphere of interests is evolving. This is certainly the case of the Gulf monarchies of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which together comprise the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). China's levels of interdependence with these states has increased dramatically in recent years, spanning a wide range of interests. What motivating factors explain the Chinese leadership's decision to forge closer ties to the GCC? Why have GCC leaders developed closer ties to China, and what kind of role can China be expected to play in the region as levels of interdependence intensify? This book uses neoclassical realism to analyse the evolution of Sino-GCC relations. Examining the pressures that shaped China's policy toward the Gulf monarchies, it demonstrates that systemic considerations have been predominant since 1949, yet domestic political considerations were also always an important consideration. Relations are examined across diplomatic and political interactions, trade and investment, infrastructure and construction projects, people-to-people exchanges, and military and security cooperation. This book will appeal to scholars in the fields of International Relations and International Political Economy, as well as area specialists on China, the Gulf, the Gulf Monarchies, and those working on foreign policy issues. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright page Dedication Table of Contents List of tables 1. Introduction Key themes Structure of the book Notes 2. China and international order Introduction Neoclassical realism and China’s international political history China and the liberal international order Intervening variable: elite perceptions of systemic pressures Intervening variable: domestic political pressures The GCC in the PRC’s foreign policy calculations Conclusion Notes 3. The Gulf monarchies: Domestic, regional, and international security dynamics Introduction Neoclassical realism and the GCC The Gulf as a sub-system Systemic pressures Internal security concerns The role of China Conclusion Notes 4. China’s relations with Saudi Arabia Introduction Saudi Arabia: systemic pressures Saudi Arabia: domestic pressures Pre-People’s Republic of China historical legacy Indifference (1949–1965) Hostility (1966–1971) Transition (1971–1990) Interdependence (1990–2012) Belt and Road Initiative cooperation (2013–present) Conclusion: explaining change in Sino-Saudi relations Notes 5. China’s relations with Oman Introduction Oman: international political pressures Oman: domestic political pressures China-Oman relations: the pre-PRC historical legacy Indifference (1949–1965) Hostility (1966–1971) Transition (1971–1990) Interdependence (1990–2012) Belt and Road Initiative cooperation (2013-present) Conclusion: explaining change in Sino-Omani relations Notes 6. China’s relations with the United Arab Emirates Introduction United Arab Emirates: international pressures United Arab Emirates: domestic political pressures Pre-PRC historical legacy Indifference (1949–1965) Hostility (1966–1971) Transition (1971–1990) Interdependence (1990–2012) Belt and Road Initiative cooperation (2013–present) Conclusion: explaining change in Sino-Emirati relations Notes 7. Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index