China’s Security Strategy in the Middle East during the Era of Xi Jinping

Year 2022, Volume: 53, 41 - 70, 26.12.2022

Selim Öterbülbül

Abstract

This study analyses changes in China’s security entanglement in the Middle East regarding discussions on China’s grand strategy. The main argument of this study emphasizes that the Sino-Middle Eastern security relationship is heading in a more assertive direction, yet still preserving China’s defensive-oriented foundation. The main determinant is the adjustment of China’s grand strategy under Xi Jinping. This study summarizes the discussion on China’s grand strategy and the historical background of Sino-Middle Eastern relations in order to demonstrate the continuity aspect of grand strategy. Then, the change in China’s security policy is explained through the adjustment of grand strategy in order to adapt to contemporary developments. The analysis focuses on China’s strategic cooperation agreements, arms sales to the Middle East countries, and military presence in the region.

Keywords

The Sino-Middle Eastern relations, Grand strategy, Xi Jinping, Security threat, Arms sales

Xi Jinping Döneminde Çin’in Ortadoğu’daki Güvenlik Stratejisi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Çin büyük stratejisine ilişkin tartışmalar çerçevesinde, Çin’in Ortadoğu devletleriyle kurduğu güvenlik ilişkilerinin nasıl dönüştüğünü araştırmaktadır. Çalışmanın ana argümanı, Xi Jinping döneminde yeniden şekillenen Çin’in büyük stratejisinin, Çin-Ortadoğu ilişkilerindeki güvenlik stratejisini daha iddialı fakat hala savunmacı esaslara dayanarak belirlediğidir. Çalışmada ilk olarak Çin büyük stratejisine ilişkin tartışmalar incelenecektir. Ardından, Çin’in Ortadoğu’yla kurduğu güvenlik ilişkilerinin tarihsel seyri, büyük stratejinin süreklilik arayışıyla açıklanacaktır. Çin’in güvenlik stratejisindeki dönüşüm ise, büyük stratejinin çıkarları korumak için yeni şartlara uyum gereği üzerinden ele alınacaktır. Çin’in bölgedeki güvenlik stratejisi, işbirliğine çerçeve sunan ortaklık anlaşmaları, Çin’in Ortadoğu silah pazarındaki rolü ve bölgede artan askeri varlığı üzerinden analiz edilecektir.

Keywords

Çin-Ortadoğu İlişkileri, Büyük Strateji, Xi Jinping, Güvenlik tehdidi, Silah satışı

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