China’s Growing Influence in Iraq’s Economy and Culture
China has emerged as a crucial economic ally for Iraq. The Asian powerhouse not only purchases substantial amounts of Iraqi oil but also contributes to the nation’s infrastructure development and supplies a range of consumer goods, particularly electronics. Despite these substantial economic ties, China’s influence in the entertainment sector remains limited when compared to the strong presence of Western countries, especially the United States.
Chinese Media Influence in Iraq
While China’s economic partnership with Iraq continues to flourish, its cultural outreach has not made the same headway. Iraqi community activist Mazen Al-Haidari notes, “Chinese media and cultural production have very little influence on Iraqi society compared to Western media, Hollywood films, and American entertainment.” This situation is mirrored across much of the broader Middle Eastern region, where China’s cultural exports have yet to resonate deeply with local audiences. In contrast, American films and cultural products continue to dominate.
To change this landscape, Beijing is banking on a new cinematic venture. “Welcome to the Dragon Restaurant,” also known in English as “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East,” has enjoyed popularity in China and aims to foster a cultural connection with audiences in Iraq. The film is set in a fictional city, Bahata, which serves as a stand-in for Baghdad, symbolizing the complexities and realities following the U.S. invasion. Its upcoming global release comes at a time when the U.S. is entangled in geopolitical conflicts in the region, particularly with Iran, another nation significantly connected to China.
The Narrative of Non-Aggression
The film’s narrative seeks to portray China in a light distinct from aggressive military powers. Michael Berry, the director of the Center for Chinese Studies at UCLA, suggests that through its storytelling, China intends to communicate a message of peace and non-aggression. The protagonist, Xu Fu, is a cook and businessman representing this diplomatic attitude. His restaurant serves as a sanctuary amidst chaos, with director Wen Muye emphasizing the film’s focus on “humanism and the value of a person’s existence.” The film even attempts to humanize American soldiers, depicting them as ordinary individuals caught in the turmoil of war rather than mere antagonists.
In reality, Iraq provides a telling example of China’s economic engagement strategy. As highlighted by the Great Powers Index, Iraq now leans more towards Beijing than Washington in terms of economic alignment. Iraq exports more oil to China than anywhere else, with Chinese energy firms heavily involved in oil extraction operations. Xu Fu’s character acts as an allegory for the business-minded diplomacy that China aims to project within the region.
Infrastructure and Economic Investments
China is also a key player in Iraq’s development initiatives, significantly contributing to President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. According to data, China has either completed or announced projects worth approximately $4.5 billion in construction efforts within Iraq, ranking second in investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, just behind Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Chinese products make up nearly one-third of Iraq’s total imports, largely driven by the rising demand for consumer electronics among its urban populace.
Despite these economic ties, China’s reluctance to delve into regional politics has reportedly led to frustration among Middle Eastern leaders eager for a more assertive Chinese role in addressing ongoing crises. The film subtly reflects this dynamic; as an American soldier questions Xu’s detachment from political conflicts, it poses a poignant commentary on the intricate relationship between commerce and geopolitics.
Xu Fu may be a fictional character, but his tale encapsulates China’s aspirations to enhance its image and influence in Iraq and the surrounding region. Whether this narrative shift will lead to a more active diplomatic participation by China remains uncertain, but the potential is definitely there.