China positioned to thrive under Iraq’s new government
For the past year an ostensibly grassroots movement with ties to Iran-aligned parties has laid political groundwork for Iraq to embrace China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Demonstrators gather in front of the Dhi Qar governorate building on May 13, 2022, in a protest organized by the Popular Movement for the Silk Road in support of Chinese investment in the Great Port of Al-Fao project. (STAFF/Iraq Oil Report)
NASSIRIYA - China is poised to expand its strategic presence in Iraq, building on grassroots support in southern oil provinces and capitalizing on a convergence of interests with pro-Iran political parties.
Iraq is already an area of focus for China's Belt and Road Initiative. More than half of Iraq's oil production comes from fields where Chinese companies are operators or non-operating partners — an extensive footprint that caused the government of former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to limit new Chinese upstream investment in an effort to diversify its energy sector partners.
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