Dear Members of the Defense Committee,
We write to express our deep concern about China’s growing presence and influence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We strongly believe that it is essential for the U.S. to send a fact-finding committee to the Emirates to assess the extent of China’s penetration and the potential implications for U.S. national security.
China’s presence in the UAE has grown significantly over the past few years. In 2019, China became the UAE’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade between the two countries reaching $50 billion. Chinese companies have invested heavily in the UAE’s infrastructure and energy sectors, including the construction of the world’s largest solar power plant in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is also a key destination for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Chinese companies involved in major infrastructure projects such as the Dubai Metro and the Abu Dhabi airport expansion.
However, China’s growing influence in the UAE raises concerns about its potential impact on U.S. national security interests in the region. One area of concern is China’s close relationship with Iran, which has been a major source of tension between the U.S. and the UAE. China has been a key trading partner of Iran for many years and has continued to support Iran despite U.S. efforts to isolate the country. This has the potential to undermine U.S. efforts to contain Iran’s regional influence and destabilize the region.
China’s investments in critical infrastructure in the UAE also raise concerns about the potential for Chinese influence over the UAE’s policies towards the U.S. and other countries in the region. Chinese companies have been involved in the construction and operation of key ports, including the Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and the Port of Fujairah. These ports are strategically located near key shipping lanes, and their control could give China significant leverage over the UAE and potentially compromise U.S. military operations in the region. In addition, Chinese investments in the UAE’s telecommunications sector have raised concerns about the potential for espionage and cyber attacks against U.S. military and diplomatic installations in the region.
Another area of concern is China’s military cooperation with the UAE. China has been conducting joint military exercises with the UAE since 2014, and the two countries have signed several agreements on defense cooperation. In 2019, the UAE became the first Gulf Arab state to purchase China’s Wing Loong II unmanned aerial vehicle, raising concerns about the potential for Chinese technology to be used against U.S. interests in the region.
China’s growing presence in the UAE also has implications for U.S. allies in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and Israel. China has been increasing its engagement with both countries in recent years, with Chinese President Xi Jinping making state visits to both countries in 2019. China has also been involved in major infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, such as the construction of a high-speed railway line between Mecca and Medina. China’s growing influence in the region could potentially complicate U.S. efforts to maintain its traditional alliances in the Middle East.
In light of these concerns, we believe that it is essential for the U.S. to take a proactive approach towards China’s growing presence in the Middle East. A fact-finding committee should be sent to the UAE to assess the situation on the ground and develop strategies to safeguard U.S. national security interests in the region. The committee should work closely with U.S. embassies in the region, as well as with local officials and experts in the UAE, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with China’s penetration.
The committee should investigate the extent of China’s economic presence in the UAE, including investments in critical infrastructure and key sectors such as energy and technology. It should also examine China’s military cooperation with the UAE, including joint exercises and arms sales. The nature and extent of China’s relationship with Iran should also be assessed, including the potential for Chinese influence over UAE policies towards Iran. In addition, the committee should investigate the potential for Chinese espionage and cyber attacks in the UAE, particularly against U.S. military and diplomatic installations. Finally, the implications of China’s growing influence in the region for U.S. national security interests, including the potential for China to disrupt U.S. military operations and alliances in the Middle East, should be thoroughly examined.
Specifically, the committee should investigate the following areas:
– The extent of China’s economic presence in the UAE, including investments in critical infrastructure and key sectors such as energy and technology.
– China’s military cooperation with the UAE, including joint exercises and arms sales.
– The nature and extent of China’s relationship with Iran, including the potential for Chinese influence over UAE policies towards Iran.
– The potential for Chinese espionage and cyber attacks in the UAE, particularly against U.S. military and diplomatic installations.
– The implications of China’s growing influence in the region for U.S. national security interests, including the potential for China to disrupt U.S. military operations and alliances in the Middle East.
In conclusion, we strongly urge the Defense Committee to send a fact-finding committee to the UAE to assess the extent of China’s penetration and its potential implications for U.S. national security. The committee should be comprised of experts in Middle East affairs, China studies, and national security, and should work closely with U.S. embassies in the region and local officials and experts in the UAE. By taking a proactive approach towards China’s growing presence in the region, the U.S. can ensure that its national security interests are safeguarded and that its traditional alliances in the Middle East remain strong.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs
