Chinese Foreign Policy in the Persian Gulf and Its

The Persian Gulf is one of the most important regions of the world in strategic terms that has long received the attention of great powers. Huge oil and gas reserves in the region have added to the importance of the region. Among the great powers, the United States has expanded its presence in the region following the British withdrawal, but what has gained significance during the 21st century is the rise of China and its efforts at making reforms in order to play an active role in the world’s strategically significant areas including the Persian Gulf. Since this Asian country is highly dependent upon the region’s cheap oil resources, it seeks to enlarge its influence by establishing vast trade relations with the regional nations. Hence, China’s presence poses a threat to long-term U.S. interest. The main question of the research deals with the impact of Chinese foreign policy in the Persian Gulf region on U.S. interest. The hypothesis indicates that the rise of China in the Persian Gulf and moving from the margins of the region into its core have undermined U.S. vital interest in the region. The authors draw upon the conceptual framework of power cycle to conduct this research.