China's influence will rise if US reduces deployment in Middle East, warns US CENTCOM chief

Riyadh: The Commander of the US Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, warned that ‘US President Joe Biden has indicated that the deployment in the Middle East will be reduced, to focus on Russia and China, which pose challenges to the country. However, if the United States reduced its focus on the region, China will replace the United States and increase its influence here.’ General McKenzie issued the warning while talking to the media after a discussion with the Saudi military officials.

The US military officials do not seem to agree with some of the decisions taken by President Biden in the last three months since his tenure began. Following the military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden indicated a reduction in deployment in Iraq, Syria and other Gulf countries. At the same time, the Biden administration also stopped the military aid to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the decision to include the Houthi rebels from Yemen into the list of terrorist organisations was also reversed.

The Biden administration is also thinking about the withdrawal of the US warships deployed in the Middle East. On the other hand, reports suggest that after resuming the nuclear deal negotiations with Iran, the Biden administration has initiated steps to withdraw sanctions on Iran. General McKenzie warned that while the threat from Iran and its affiliated terrorist organisations for the Gulf countries is rising, the US moves are creating an atmosphere of uncertainty in the countries.

General McKenzie said ‘In this situation, if the United States reduced its military deployment without considering the appeal from the countries in the Middle East, Russia and China will exploit the situation. Russia may emerge as a major arms supplier to the Middle Eastern countries after the US withdrawal. Also, China had set the objective of growing its influence in this sector for a long time.’ The CENTCOM chief pointed out that China would set up its military bases in the region after a reduction in the US deployments.

General McKenzie reprimanded the Biden administration as he said, ‘It is necessary to warn China at the right time when it’s challenging the United States. However, the United States is a global superpower. It should ensure that as it takes steps against China, it is not making an opportunity available to China in another sector.’

Meanwhile, Israel also is upset with the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw its military from Syria. The Israeli sources say that ‘China will increase its military influence taking advantage of the US military withdrawal from Syria and after that flex its muscles in the Middle East. The United States is aware of this, yet it has not taken any special initiatives to stop China.’

Serious allegations are being made in the United States against the Biden administration. The claims suggest that the US administration is making decisions that benefit China militarily and strategically instead of taking tough steps against it. The Israeli sources have also tried to underline the issue in precise words.