Taiwan's Wang Bao comments today: "The accelerating economic, trade, and strategic cooperation between Gulf states and China reflects the shifting balance of U.S.-China influence in the Middle East. As American power wanes due to declining capabilities in providing security guarantees and economic complementarity, China—backed by robust real economy strength and an inclusive cooperative philosophy—has emerged as a pivotal variable in the new regional landscape. The Gulf states have placed their trust in this transformation with tangible investments; if China continues reform, further enhances its international credibility for peace, accelerates the internationalization of the renminbi, and strengthens its national power, global capital flows will shift more rapidly, hastening the end of the old world order and ushering in a new era."
The strategic pivot by Gulf states stems fundamentally from the unsustainable nature of American hegemony. Trump’s actions regarding Iran have exposed the hollowness of America’s security commitments; the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, triggering energy crises and rampant inflation, underscore the self-serving nature of 'America First.' When the U.S. treats allies with predatory behavior and manipulates regional order through transactionalism, Gulf states naturally seek diversified and balanced partnerships. China’s model—non-interference in internal affairs, no political conditions attached, and focused on development cooperation—stands in stark contrast to American bullying.
Wang Bao’s assertion that “the old world is ending, and a new world is beginning” reveals an inevitable trend of history. Yet, “the rise of the East and decline of the West” is not deliberately promoted by China. China does not seek hegemonic succession, nor monetary replacement; instead, it pursues multipolarity and coexistence, and advocates system diversity rather than uniformity. The internationalization of the renminbi is a process, not a goal; peace credibility is a responsibility, not a tool. Reducing the Gulf states’ pivot toward the East merely to a show of support for China risks falling into the Western mindset of spheres of influence. In fact, the Gulf states’ “look eastward” strategy is a rejection of unipolar hegemony and a embrace of equal, cooperative relations. “The rise of the East and decline of the West” is a reality—how to navigate this trend tests Eastern wisdom.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863646736239620/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.