Middle Eastern countries are rich in oil resources and rely on advanced technologies from countries like the United States and Japan, especially in AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology. They are reconsidering their relationship with communist China, leaning towards strengthening cooperation and development with the United States, Japan, and other countries. The re-election of US President Donald Trump, set to return to the White House on January 20, signals a further intensification of competition between the US and Beijing.
Leading in AI and other cutting-edge fields, the US is reportedly pressuring Arab countries to exclude cooperation with communist China to prevent technology leaks. In April, Microsoft announced a $15 billion investment in the UAE’s Abu Dhabi AI development company, G42. According to US media reports, G42 has pledged to sever ties with Chinese companies blacklisted by Washington, including Huawei.
Additionally, to exert pressure, the US government is delaying semiconductor giant Nvidia and other companies’ exports of AI chips to Saudi Arabia and other regions in the Middle East.
In the space development sector, plans involving the UAE’s lunar rover being carried by the Chinese Chang’e 7 unmanned lunar probe have been obstructed due to violations of US regulations.
A Japanese Middle East expert commented on the dilemma facing the UAE, stating, “They can no longer rely solely on the US but cannot get too close to China (the CCP). Therefore, they are shifting their focus towards Japan.”
Over 20 Japanese companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NEC recently visited the UAE, promoting their space technology. Given that Japan is a technologically advanced Asian country with close ties to the US, it finds itself in a favorable position as the Middle East gradually distances itself from communist China, receiving orders.
The UAE and Japan share a longstanding trade relationship, including energy exports and automobile imports. In recent years, their cooperation has rapidly expanded to cover decarbonization, space, semiconductors, AI, and other areas.
Some other Asian countries have found opportunities in the competition between the US and communist China. In May, South Korea signed an economic cooperation agreement with the UAE, ahead of Japan, increasing exports of automobiles and weapons.
India is also boosting its influence, signing a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia related to digital infrastructure.
As communist China seeks to maintain and expand its interests, its competition with Japan, South Korea, and India will intensify. Before the emergence of AI technology, Arab countries’ basic stance was to maintain broad connections with several major powers, including the US, Europe, communist China, and Russia, to avoid comprehensive cooperation with any party and maximize their own security and economic interests.
Traditionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE supported the US, but as the US began reducing its military intervention in the Middle East, they have pursued diversified cooperation partners. Communist China accelerated its expansion into the Middle East in the 2010s through the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, weakening US influence.
Communist China rapidly strengthened its presence in the Middle East through infrastructure construction and industrial exports, becoming the largest buyer of crude oil, replacing Japan in the process. However, in recent years, the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s demand for AI and other advanced technologies has changed the landscape. They are investing heavily in AI and other areas to diversify their economies and gradually shift towards the US in the technological competition between the US and communist China.
(This article references reports from Asia Nikkei.)