A Turbulent Silk Road: China's Vulnerable Foreign Policy in the Middle East and North Africa. (22nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghiselli, Andrea; Morgan, Pippa
• Is Part Of: China quarterly. Number 247(2021)
• Page Start: 641
• Page End: 661
• Publication Date: 2021-09-22
• Subjects: Chinese foreign policy -- Belt and Road Initiative -- Chinese overseas interests -- Middle East and North Africa; 中国对外政策 -- 一带一路 -- 中国海外利益 -- 西亚北非。; China -- History -- Periodicals; China -- Periodicals; 951
• DOI: 10.1017/S0305741020001216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-7410

Abstract

Abstract: The nexus between China's human and economic presence abroad and its security policy is increasingly important. Within this nexus, this study statistically explores whether and to what extent Chinese contractors reduce the number of Chinese nationals they send to work in North Africa, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa when the security situation in host states worsens. We find no significant evidence that either warnings from Chinese embassies and consulates to leave host countries or expert perceptions of host stability influence the number of Chinese workers. Worker numbers appear to decrease significantly only in the aftermath of large-scale violent events. These findings suggest that Chinese companies are relatively acceptant of security risks and uncertainties, despite the decade-long regulatory efforts of the Chinese government to make them more security-conscious overseas and, thus, to reduce pressure to use diplomatically and economically expensive military means for their protection.