E4 China Jordan Relations after 45 Years

China’s growing presence in the Middle East has generated concerns in Washington that Chinese inroads with U.S. partners could undermine U.S. influence in the region. However, in the case of Jordan, China’s relationship with the Kingdom has been beset by strategic miscalculations, geopolitical contestation, and under-the-surface tensions which have strained bilateral ties and undermined diplomatic progress between the two. This week, we explore the evolution of China-Jordan relations and analyzes the underlying tensions which have impeded China’s progress in building stronger ties with Jordan. It underscores that China faces strategic challenges in building inroads in some Arab countries, despite its success in others.