The Competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in China’s Digital Silk Road

Subject Areas :

Parisa Abdollahi ¹ , نسرین مصفا ²

1 -
2 - استاد و عضو هیات علمی دانشگاه تهران

Received: 2025-01-31 Accepted : 2025-02-27 Published : 2025-03-19

Keywords: Digital Silk Road, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE.,

Abstract :

China has been able to establish an effective network in the Middle East through the Digital Silk Road. The competition between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates plays a significant role in China's economic and geopolitical strategies. This research examines how the rivalry between these two countries influences China's position as the main actor in the Digital Silk Road and seeks to analyze China's behavioral patterns within this framework. The research question is: How does the competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in exploiting the opportunities of China's Digital Silk Road redefine the balance of power in their bilateral relations and in the Gulf region? According to the results, China's behavioral model is primarily economic, based on three key principles: sustainable mutual benefits, inclusivity, and networking. By applying these principles, China has aligned its internal economic needs with the conditions of host countries through the development of advanced technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. In this context, the competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE has created an opportunity for China to more effectively utilize regional capacities to strengthen its position. In addition to economic goals, this competition has allowed China to pursue political objectives, such as reducing the unilateral influence of the United States and promoting multilateralism. As a result, the Digital Silk Road has become a platform for complex economic and political interactions, where China has established its role as the main partner. This rivalry has also had profound effects on shaping a new regional order and enhancing technological cooperation between China and the Gulf countries.

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