The new era in the continuum of China and Iraq's relationship

Abstract

The article explores the shifts in Sino–Iraqi relations since the 1950s. The article's question is: Is China and Iraq's relationship witnessing a turning point characterised by more dependency and engagement? The article explores Sino–Iraqi interdependence throughout the last six decades through primary and secondary resources, including official documents, data on trade and Chinese and Iraqi outlets. It employs Nye and Keohane's complex interdependence to evaluate Sino–Iraqi dependency. The article finds that Sino–Iraqi interdependence was non-existent between the 1950s and 1975. At the end of the 1970s, some initial elements partially emerged but did not fully materialise; these faded in the 1990s, and since 2003 complex interdependence has gradually emerged. The bilateral relationships pre-2003 made provision for the development of the ties. This has not been without challenges, particularly from Iraq. The study shows the role of the oil sector in Sino–Iraqi interdependence, the uncertainty and extent of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Iraq and the conflicting official and public debates around it.