Geoffrey Aronson
Geoffrey Aronson is a specialist in Middle East affairs.
AL-JAZEERA - 21 Jan 2016
Xi Jinping's first visit to the Middle East since becoming China's president three years ago reflects three emerging, defining elements in the conduct of Beijing's foreign policy in the region. The basic building block of Chinese policy remains the development and expansion of economic and trade links. There is clear and long-standing evidence of an expanding Chinese economic presence throughout the region - from the massive energy markets of Saudi Arabia and the infrastructure developments in Iran to the domination of trade with Lebanon, Xi's visit is heavily weighted in this direction, highlighted by the effort to shape an international trade and development system in China's image. The "One Belt, One Road" plan, unveiled in 2013, is the centrepiece of Beijing's effort to place China at the centre of a new system of international trade.
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