China’s presence is growing in the Middle East, but it’s not a security challenge to U.S. — yet

China’s security relations with Middle Eastern countries have improved in recent years, capitalizing on a gap in the domestic defense requirements caused by strict Western export control regimes. And they show no signs of slowing down.

Regional defense experts told Breaking Defense that these ties remain limited for now. However, they warned, that could change down the line, especially if Washington does not firm up the close, binding defense partnerships sought by some of the United States’ Gulf Arab allies.   

The latest manifestation of China’s improved security relations in the region is the joint maritime exercise its navy started on Oct. 20 with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, off the Saudi eastern coastline. Dubbed Blue Sword 2025, it is the third edition of the two-week-long annual joint exercise for the two countries.

Read more at Breaking Defense