Japan and the Gulf: Competing with China the Soft Way? (Alice Dell’Era – Australian Institute of International Affairs)

As China expands its geo-economic footprint in the Persian Gulf through the Belt and Road Initiative, Japan has recalibrated its approach to the Middle East by deepening ties with regional actors like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Leveraging its technological expertise and quality infrastructure, Tokyo is positioning itself as a strategic partner through soft-competitive economic statecraft, offering an alternative to Beijing’s investments by focusing on niche areas such as renewables and energy transition.

Silent Complicity: The Global Network Behind the Sit-tat’s Airstrikes – Australian Institute of International Affairs