China is taking steps to engage in discussions with West Asian countries to align its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Turkiye’s Middle Corridor Initiative. This move is a response to India’s growing influence in the region, particularly through projects like the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and collaborative projects with Israel, the USA, and the UAE. Turkiye had previously expressed opposition to IMEC, which aims to challenge the BRI’s presence in the region. Recent high-level dialogues between China and Turkiye suggest efforts to bring the Middle Corridor Initiative in line with the BRI.
IMEC and the Middle Corridor
IMEC was officially introduced during the G20 summit, where leaders from the USA, Saudi Arabia, India, and Europe were present. This project, named the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor Initiative or ‘The Middle Corridor,’ originates in Turkiye and travels through the Caucasus region, including Georgia and Azerbaijan. It crosses the Caspian Sea, extends into Central Asia, and ultimately reaches China. The Middle Corridor incorporates both rail and road transportation through countries such as Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan. Key multimodal transport points along this route include ports in Baku/Alat (Azerbaijan), Aktau/Kuryk (Kazakhstan), and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan).
Challenges in Attracting Traction
Despite overlapping with the BRI, the Middle Corridor has yet to gain substantial momentum, although Turkiye is actively seeking to attract landlocked Eurasian countries, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict. The conflict has hindered landlocked Central Asian states from trading with Europe via Russia due to imposed restrictions.
China’s Expanding Political Engagement in West Asia
With the diminishing influence of the United States in West Asia, China has intensified its efforts to strengthen political ties in the region. Beijing hosts party-to-party dialogues with West Asian nations at regular intervals, working towards implementing decisions made during the China-Arab summit in December 2022. These efforts are aimed at establishing a “multi-polar world order.”
China’s Collaborative Initiatives in West Asia
China’s engagement with West Asia extends beyond dialogue. Beijing is providing support to several countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia in developing its digital economy, investing in Egypt’s textile sector within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and utilizing Iraqi banks for investments in Syria’s oil and gas sectors.
China’s Growing Influence in Iraq
China’s influence is notably on the rise in Iraq, which shares historical ties with India. Beijing is making substantial investments in Iraq’s oil fields, with interests in over ten oil fields in the country. Additionally, China is increasing its presence in Shia holy sites in Najaf and Karbala. China has reportedly established communication channels with pro-Iran Shia militias in southern Iraq, enabling it to engage in local energy and infrastructure projects. In exchange for oil, China is securing infrastructure projects in Iraq. China’s investments are not limited to Iraq, as the country is actively extending its presence across the broader West Asian region, aligning with its broader geopolitical and economic goals.
