A New Dimension of Sino-Iraqi Relations in the Context of China’s Middle East Policy

Öz

Abstract This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the strategic partnership between Iraq and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) within the framework of Beijing’s broader Middle East strategy. Beyond the conventional view of Iraq as a major energy supplier, the study argues that Baghdad functions as a critical node in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and as an important arena for the application of China’s infrastructure-centered development diplomacy. Particular attention is devoted to the “Taiwan factor,” a significant yet frequently overlooked dimension of Arab-Chinese relations. The article examines the economic architecture of bilateral cooperation, focusing specifically on the “Oil for Reconstruction” framework as a mechanism that enables Iraq to diversify its external partnerships while supporting domestic reconstruction efforts. The growing role of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Iraq’s infrastructure, energy, and public service sectors has contributed to deeper economic integration between the two countries and has reinforced broader political convergence. Within this context, Baghdad’s consistent support for Beijing’s position on the Taiwan issue extends beyond diplomatic practice and reflects a broader alignment grounded in principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The study argues that Iraq’s adherence to the One China principle has strengthened bilateral relations and contributed to the consolidation of China’s diplomatic engagement across the Arab world. Ultimately, the article demonstrates that Sino-Iraqi relations have evolved beyond a predominantly energy-based partnership into a multidimensional strategic relationship encompassing economic cooperation, infrastructure development, diplomatic coordination, and regional connectivity.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• China
• Iraq
• Taiwan
• Middle East
• Belt and Road Initiative

Çin'in Orta Doğu Politikası Bağlamında Çin-Irak İlişkilerinin Yeni Bir Boyutu

Öz

Bu çalışma, Irak ile Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti (ÇHC) arasında gelişen stratejik ortaklığın dönüşümünü, Pekin’in daha geniş Orta Doğu politikası çerçevesinde kapsamlı biçimde incelemektedir. Araştırma, Irak’ın yalnızca Çin için önemli bir enerji tedarikçisi olmanın ötesinde, Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi’nin (KYG) uygulanmasında kritik bir bağlantı noktası ve Çin’in kalkınma odaklı ekonomik iş birliği yaklaşımının önemli uygulama alanlarından biri hâline geldiğini ileri sürmektedir. Çalışmada ayrıca Arap-Çin ilişkilerinin sıklıkla göz ardı edilen unsurlarından biri olan “Tayvan faktörü” üzerinde durulmaktadır. Bu kapsamda ikili iş birliğinin ekonomik yapısı, özellikle Irak’ın yeniden inşa sürecine katkı sağlayan ve dış ekonomik ortaklıklarını çeşitlendirmesine imkân tanıyan “Petrol Karşılığı Yeniden Yapılanma” modeli çerçevesinde değerlendirilmektedir. Çin devlet şirketlerinin Irak’ın altyapı, enerji ve kamu hizmetleri sektörlerindeki artan faaliyetleri, iki ülke arasındaki ekonomik bütünleşmeyi derinleştirirken siyasi ilişkilerin de daha kurumsal bir zemine oturmasına katkı sağlamıştır. Bu süreçte Bağdat yönetiminin Tayvan meselesinde Pekin’in yaklaşımını desteklemesi, yalnızca diplomatik bir tercih olarak değil, aynı zamanda egemenlik ve toprak bütünlüğü ilkelerine dayanan ortak bir anlayışın yansıması olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Çalışma, Irak’ın Tek Çin ilkesine bağlılığının ikili ilişkilerin gelişimini desteklediğini ve Çin’in Arap dünyasındaki diplomatik etkinliğinin güçlenmesine katkı sunduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç olarak araştırma, Çin-Irak ilişkilerinin enerji merkezli bir ortaklığın ötesine geçerek ekonomik iş birliği, altyapı yatırımları, diplomatik eşgüdüm ve bölgesel bağlantısallığı kapsayan çok boyutlu bir stratejik ilişkiye dönüştüğünü göstermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çin
• Irak
• Tayvan
• Orta Doğu
• Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi

Kaynakça

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