China is setting up military base in UAE despite US objections - American newspaper reveals information

Washington – China, which has been trying to establish its foothold in the Gulf, has started setting up a military base in the UAE. A leading American newspaper revealed that China had taken this step despite US objection. Last month, China mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Biden’s opponents had criticised the event as a blow to US influence. Besides, China’s military movement in the UAE has now been a warning bell for the United States.

Moreover, the ruling Communist Party of China (CCP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have started implementing Project 141. China’s ambitious global military network includes ten logistical support sites and five military bases. Under this, China has been establishing military bases at ports in Southeast Asia, Gulf and African countries. Besides, China has been rapidly building military bases in relevant countries to complete Project 141 by 2030.

The US intelligence agencies were aware of the Chinese plan. In 2021, China began movements to raise a military base in the Khalifa port of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But China had stopped the construction here after the US objected. After that, China did not make any movement at the site for almost a year. But in December of last year, China again started the construction of Khalifa port.

The leading American newspaper published that China has been erecting huge pillars in this port, close to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. This matter had surfaced in the documents and interviews with senior officials. The Biden administration was aware of China’s movements in the UAE and expressed concerns about China’s construction therein. The information comes from last month’s intelligence agency’s ‘paper leaks’.

It has been criticised in this ‘paper leaks’ that some people in the administration think the UAE was committed to cooperation with the US. But it was not so, clarified the ‘paper leaks’. An American intelligence agency’s report made aware that instead, China, which was increasing its influence in the Gulf, has become significant for the leaders of the UAE. Although not mentioned directly, it signals that the importance of the US in the Gulf has declined for the UAE.

A month ago, China mediated between Saudi Arabia and Iran. After that, Saudi and Iran have been taking steps towards establishing cooperation. Additionally, Saudi Arabia announced a cut in fuel production last month. Not only this, but Saudi Arabia has also started moves to become a member of the Russia-China-influenced SCO. All these three decisions of Saudi Arabia were a blow to the influence of the United States in the Gulf. In addition, the US intelligence agency’s warning that China, which was increasing its influence in the Gulf, has been becoming very important to the leaders of the UAE appears to be a slap to the Biden administration.

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