In the past decade or so great progress has been made in the study of China's foreign policy and international behaviour. Yet, whereas Peking's policy in Asia, Africa and even Latin America, has been extensively treated, the role of the Middle East in its foreign policy has not received adequate attention. One reason for this, I believe, has been that China's performance in the Middle East since the 1950s has not secured for it any influence comparable to that of other powers. While these powers have been able to establish definite zones of influence and some presence in the Middle East, China is still considered an outsider in the area. By implication, therefore, it has been assumed that the Middle East has always played a marginal role in China's calculations.

This study attempts to correct this view by providing a comprehensive analysis of China's Middle East policy. It concerns not so much China's relations with the Middle East (though, necessarily, these will be discussed as well) as the role of the Middle East in China's world outlook. The main argument is that, although the Chinese, for many objective and subjective reasons, which will be dealt with later on, have been unable or unwilling to increase their influence and presence in the Middle East, they have never lost sight of its importance in their strategy and foreign policy considerations.

The term ‘Middle East’ used in this study does not correspond exactly to the Chinese usage. In fact, the Chinese themselves do not have a precise definition of this term.