Navigating the Delicate Ground of Arab Allies Amidst US-China Rivalry

As Gulf states seek to diversify their military partnerships, they find themselves caught in the escalating rivalry between the United States and China. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a close ally of the US, is planning its first-ever military drill with China. This comes as Gulf states distance themselves from what they perceive as a polarizing global order and waning US interest in the region. The growing ties between Gulf states and China serve as a signal to the US that their defense and security partnership may not be meeting expectations. However, experts believe that Gulf states are aware of the potential consequences of their growing ties with China and are unlikely to provoke Washington.