Defence, infra & mineral exploration top China’s agenda in West Asia-North Africa region

China is promoting expansion of its Belt and Road (BRI) across West Asia and North Africa region in a focused manner and its primary areas of focus across the region include infrastructure, mineral exploration, security and cultural sectors.

During his January visit to Egypt besides four other countries Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang sought to promote Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Qin claimed that Beijing will invest in Egypt’s infrastructure projects including in BRI.

Beijing is promoting BRI as a Global Economic Project that would seek to address economic woes in Iran, Iraq and Syria through factories and Free Trade Zones. In Iraq BRI projects are promoted via social media, ET has learnt.


Further China and Saudi Arabia have signed a contract for geological mapping of Saudi Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia and China are also collaborating in the solar power project.

Chinese tourists are poised to increase in Turkiye following a series of agreements. Alibaba group plans to invest one billion USD for a logistics base in Istanbul airport as well data center in Ankara.

China and UAE are reportedly collaborating in defence sector and Beijing has submitted a proposal to UAE for transferring production technology of Portable Air Defence Missile Weapon System, ET has learnt. China is planning to sell 3rd generation MANPAD systems to Oman.

Simultaneously, China invited Islamic scholars from several countries across the globe for a guided tour of Xinjiang Autonomous Region to offset criticisms against treatment of Uyghurs.

?Iraq constitutes a cornerstone of China’s BRI strategy and was the top target under the initiative in 2021, receiving $10.5 billion in financing for projects including a heavy oil power plant.

Iraq requires a massive $88 billion for its post-Daesh reconstruction needs which provides ample opportunities for Beijing to increase its visibility through investment and construction. Iraq has become the third biggest partner in BRI for energy engagement since 2013.

China’s interest in West Asia and the Arab world is primarily for securing energy supply for its uninterrupted economic growth, but there is a strategic agenda as well.

One reason is that the region may act as a hub to expand its market and sphere of influence in Africa as well as Europe. Another mid- and long-term agenda is to make China a more acceptable partner of the region replacing the United States, European Union and Japan, according to China watchers.