China infrastructure drive reshaping Middle East connectivity

BEIJING (MNTV) — China’s expanding infrastructure engagement in the Middle East could play a significant role in addressing long-standing regional connectivity deficits, according to a new policy report released by New Lines Insititute.

The report, titled China–Middle East Connectivity: Iraq, Egypt, and Oman, identifies weak economic integration within the Middle East and limited links with global markets as key barriers to sustained regional growth.

Since the launch of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing has emerged as a major provider of physical and digital infrastructure across the Middle East, raising questions about whether the scale and nature of this engagement can materially improve economic connectivity.

The study forms Part 3 of a four-part series assessing China’s infrastructure footprint in the region. Part 1 outlined connectivity and integration gaps and highlighted the uneven distribution of Chinese investment, which has concentrated on a small number of regional states. 

Part 2 examined Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the two primary recipients of Chinese infrastructure engagement.

Part 3 focuses on Iraq, Egypt, and Oman, presenting case studies that analyze China’s role in transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure development in these countries and their potential contribution to regional integration.

The final installment of the series, Part 4, will draw on these case studies to assess whether China’s engagement can address Middle East connectivity challenges at a broader regional level.