Why UAE's upgrade to US 'major defense partner' will not deter China
While the designation comes with many benefits for the UAE, placing it on par with India, it lacks the formal security guarantees provided to other nations, including South Korea and Japan.
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WASHINGTON — As the Middle East braces for another potential war involving Israel and Lebanon, the United States and its Gulf partners are steadily advancing their diplomatic and strategic relationships, irrespective of — and in some cases because of — the conflict.
This was on display this week in Washington with the first visit there by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed since taking office and by the US granting Qataris visa-free entry to the country.
China was not in the room, but its influence and military channels in Abu Dhabi loomed large as the US granted the UAE a “major defense partner” status.
