Thinking About ChinaOpinionChina’s Challenge to the US in the Middle EastIs Beijing replacing Washington as the primary powerbroker in the region?SavePrintRussian, Chinese, and Iranian warships participate in a joint military drill in the Indian Ocean on Jan. 21, 2022. Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty ImagesJames Gorrie11/10/2023|Updated: 11/13/20230:00X 1CommentaryFor decades, the United States played the primary role of powerbroker and peacemaker in the Middle East.We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.Share this articleLeave a commentJames GorrieAuthorJames Gorrie is the author of the 2013 book “The China Crisis” and discusses current events and China on his YouTube Podcast, The Banana Republican. Author’s Selected ArticlesThe AI Factor Behind Trump’s Power Play on China’s Oil SuppliersJan 23, 2026Greenland Turning Red?Jan 21, 2026Trump Kicking BRICS Out of the AmericasJan 15, 2026Beijing Rethinking Its Taiwan Unification Plans for 2027Jan 12, 2026Related TopicsMilitary presenceChina's influence in the MideastBiden foreign policy