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China, Japan compete for influence in the Middle East

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Tuesday, January 16, 2001

AMMAN — China and Japan are engaged in a high-level effort to extend their influence in the Middle East.

Senior officials have been touring the Gulf and Levant in what Arab diplomatic sources said appears to be a competition for influence and projects in oil-producing states amid higher fuel prices.

China appears to have focused on the Levant while Japan's effort centers around the Gulf.

The Japanese effort has been led by Foreign Minister Yohei Kono. The minister toured Gulf states last week and offered aid in development projects such as desalination plants. Japan is largely dependent on Gulf oil.

"I recognize the need to build a more constructive relationship between Japan and its longtime friends in the Gulf region," Kono said in a speech at the Japanese embassy in Doha.

From the Qatari capital, Kono continued to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In Riyad, Kono submitted a three-point plan to develop economic relations with the Saudi kingdom.

The Japanese minister also proposed that Tokyo cooperate with the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council, which deals with regional defense.

For its part, China has sought to improve relations with Egypt, Jordan and Syria. Over the weekend, Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao held talks with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman.

At a news conference, Hu said China has offered Jordan $1.3 million in aid. He did not elaborate.

"We have arrived to a unified vision around boosting the cooperation between the two countries in the new century," Hu said.

China has also sought to increase military ties with Arab countries and Iran. Hu did not mention this during his visit to Jordan.

From Amman, Hu flew to Nicosia, where he meets Republic of Cyprus officials on Monday.

Tuesday, January 16, 2001


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