Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The growing tensions between the US and China have far-reaching consequences for the entire international order, creating problems not only for Western powers, but also for small states falling under their influence. These include the countries of the Persian Gulf, which increasingly find themselves "squeezed" between the rivalry of these great powers. It is reported by the Middle East Eye (UK).

Strengthening of the PRC in the region is taking place against the background of the weakening of US influence. But given Washington’s significant military presence in the Gulf, it will remain for now. US security influence in the region will not change, thanks to decades of Western-oriented military education and equipment procurement. The region will also remain a key investment destination for Western financial centers.

At the same time, China’s influence in the region is growing. Beijing is playing a growing niche role in the security arena. So, international law prohibits the West from selling unmanned aerial vehicles here, but Saudi Arabia and the UAE acquire them from China and use them in conflicts, for example, in Yemen and Libya.

While this type of arms trade will continue to grow, any prospect of China’s military playing a broader role in the region is unlikely. The PRC lacks opportunities for significant involvement in the region, and the Chinese doctrine does not allow it to be drawn into regional conflicts.

Thus, Beijing will not take sides in regional conflicts, including between the GCC countries and Iran.

The Gulf monarchies develop close ties with China, despite its human rights policies and Beijing’s actions in Hong Kong. However, the countries in the region could be affected by the growing tensions in the South China Sea, given that this is one of the international routes for transporting oil.

Arab monarchies could continue to enjoy the security benefits of the US presence in the region while enjoying economic cooperation with the PRC. However, if tensions between the US and China around the world escalate, the Persian Gulf could be drawn into this new Sino-US conflict.