STRATEGIC RIVALRIES: CHINA VS. US IN MIDDLE EAST GEOPOLITICS

2026-04-15 2026-04-18 2026-04-20 4/22/2026 12:00:00 AM DownTown News 2 2026 Review article 179 185 2026 ID N-5730-2015 English Taha Nazir, Zaighum Javaid US influence Middle East, China economic diplomacy, non-military influence strategy, global power competition, Middle East trade routes The intensifying strategic rivalry between China and the United States has significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This review analyzes the competing political, economic, and security strategies employed by both powers to expand influence in the region.The findings suggest that this rivalry is redefining alliances, altering regional power balances, and contributing to both cooperation and competition. The study concludes that while multipolar engagement offers opportunities for regional development, it also introduces new risks of strategic tension and fragmentation.