OpinionThinking About ChinaChina’s Challenge to the US in the Middle EastIs Beijing replacing Washington as the primary powerbroker in the region?CopyFacebookXTruthGettrLinkedInTelegramEmailSaveRussian, Chinese, and Iranian warships participate in a joint military drill in the Indian Ocean on Jan. 21, 2022. Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty ImagesBy James Gorrie11/10/2023Updated: 11/13/2023PrintX 10:00CommentaryFor decades, the United States played the primary role of powerbroker and peacemaker in the Middle East.