STRATEGIC DEPENDENCIES: CHINA’S PURSUIT OF ENERGY SECURITY IN THE GULF REGION

Abstract

This article analyzes how China strategically transformed its economic strategy in the Persian Gulf from energy security to trade ties and infrastructure investment between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It conceptually places itself within the region as the world's largest crude importer to secure long-term supplies necessary for industrial development. Through deepening bilateral relations and long-term supply contracts and establishing downstream joint ventures, China becomes a lifeline for Saudi dependence, while at the same time evading restrictions by clandestine energy ties with Iran despite international sanctions. It employs qualitative methodology based on trade data, strategic policy analysis, and published agreements to identify this dual track of deepening oil trade combined with diversifying energy sources. This involves LNG importation from Qatar, investment in renewable energy in the United Arab Emirates, and infrastructure projects in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Simultaneously, China's financial diplomacy agreements will undermine American influence and transform the Gulf's financial architecture. The findings signify that the Gulf strategy of China is not simply resource-driven. Instead, it has moved towards combining energy dependency and geopolitical hedging. Thus, Beijing's model offers a template for influence not backed by military presence but in the long haul through interdependence, connectivity, and financial restructuring.

Keywords: Persian Gulf, Energy Security, China, Oil Trade, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Economic Diplomacy, de-dollarisation, Strategic Dependencies