International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

The Position of Saudi Arabia in the Strategic Competition between China and the United States in the Middle East

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors
Mohammadreza Hatamvand 1
Rahmat Hajimineh 2
Nozar Shafiee 3
1 Department of International Relations, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associated Prof. Department of Law, ET.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associated Prof. at Department of Regional Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/isj.2025.484592.2244
Abstract
In recent years, the competition between China and the United States has expanded into various domains and regions, reshaping their bilateral relations. In this context, the central issue of this article is that the concept of “strategic competition” has come to define their rivalry, primarily due to the United States' inability to contain China. In fact, China's growing presence in the Middle East has made its containment one of the United States' primary concerns. Accordingly, the main question of this article is: What is Saudi Arabia's position in the strategic competition between China and the United States? Based on a qualitative methodology and a descriptive-explanatory approach within the framework of structural realism, the core hypothesis is that Saudi Arabia, as an influential regional actor with significant geostrategic and geoeconomic capacities, as well as the ability to align surrounding actors (particularly through the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council), holds a crucial position in the strategic competition between China and the United States in the Middle East. The findings of this study indicate that the primary objective of both powers in this strategic competition is to expand their political influence and increase their role in key strategic regions, including the Middle East, in order to shift the balance of power in their favor. In this context, China is actively establishing strategic relations with U.S. allies in the region and expanding its partnerships—one of the most significant of which is its growing engagement with Saudi Arabia.

Highlights

Introduction

In recent years, the competition between China and the United States has expanded into diverse domains and regions, reshaping the relationship between the two countries. In this context, the central issue of the article is that an element called "strategic competition" has now structured the rivalry between the two, with the most important reason being the U.S.'s inability to contain China. Indeed, China's expanding presence in the Middle East has made its containment one of America's most pressing concerns. Through initiatives like the "Belt and Road Initiative" and deepening economic and energy cooperation with U.S. allies, China seeks to consolidate its position in the Middle East. On the other hand, the U.S. strives to curb China's influence in the region while maintaining its traditional security and economic ties with allies.

 

Methods

This study employs qualitative and explanatory methods, including content analysis of documents and credible sources, within the framework of "structural realism" to examine how Saudi Arabia—as an influential regional actor with geostrategic and geo-economic capabilities, as well as the ability to align peripheral actors (the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council)—holds a significant position in the strategic competition between China and the U.S. in the Middle East.

 

Results and Discussion

The findings of this study demonstrate that the primary focus of both nations in their strategic competition has been expanding political influence and increasing their roles in strategic regions like the Middle East to shift the balance of power in their favor. Accordingly, China is establishing strategic relations with U.S. allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, as part of its alliance-building efforts. Saudi Arabia, as one of the region's key players with unique geostrategic and geo-economic capabilities, plays a significant role in this competition. The country's strategic geographical position, access to vast oil and gas resources, and ability to align regional actors through the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have made it a central focus of the China-U.S. rivalry. On one side, the United States, as Saudi Arabia's traditional ally, attempts to limit China's regional influence by maintaining its security and economic relations with Riyadh. On the other side, China is implementing its Belt and Road Initiative and expanding economic and energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia to consolidate its position as a global power in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is utilizing its capabilities to leverage this competition to enhance its own security and regional influence. This approach reflects Riyadh's efforts to adapt to structural changes in the international system while employing economic and security tools to protect its national interests.

 

Conclusion

The strategic competition between China and the United States in the Middle East, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia, represents a clear example of great power interactions within a multipolar international system. This competition stems from the anarchic structure of the international system and both powers' efforts to expand their influence and ensure their energy security. Ultimately, this competition not only impacts the balance of power in the Middle East but will also influence the future of the international order. This research demonstrates that the Sino-American competition in the Middle East has created new opportunities and challenges for regional actors, with Saudi Arabia positioned at the center of these developments. The strategic competition between China and the United States, as a new reality in international politics, reflects the complexities of relations between these two powers. Indeed, regarding the Sino-American strategic competition in the Middle East, it must be said that this rivalry serves as a prime example of great power interactions in a multipolar international system. Using Kenneth Waltz's structural realism theoretical framework, this competition can be analyzed from three perspectives: the structure of the international system, the distribution of power, and state behavior.

Keywords
China
United States
Strategic Competition
Middle East
Saudi Arabia

Subjects

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