China's Debate on the Middle East and North Africa: A Critical Review (original) (raw)

This paper critically reviews China's evolving debate on the geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) post-Arab Spring. It highlights the security implications for China arising from instability in the region, especially concerning radical Islam and its effects on Chinese domestic security, particularly in Xinjiang. The analysis suggests that while China's interest in MENA has grown, its ability to project itself as a credible regional security player is hampered by limitations in military presence and political influence.