BMI View: Oil- and gas-rich Arab countries are reportedly seek- ing greater cooperation with China as they attempt to lessen their dependence on the West. There are both economic and political motivations behind such moves. China will most likely embrace this invitation in order to secure cheap supplies to meet its grow- ing energy needs. While Chinese competitors will not displace their Western counterparts immediately, a stronger Chinese presence could force Western oil companies to rethink the methods they use to engage authorities in the MENA region if they are to hold on to their lucrative production licences.
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