The author looks at Chinese relations with the Arab sheikhdoms and finds that the Chinese strategy of pursuing good relations with all parties while offering more direct trade using their solid currency, the renminbi, is being welcomed by Arab ruling circles that have previously been wedded to the US dollar. No doubt this is a direct challenge to US currency, and ultimately to the Empire.
Quite obviously, Persian Gulf countries are slowly, steadily probing their options in the Asia-Pacific to diversify their external relations that have been traditionally riveted to the West. With Europe in serious disarray and the US in decline and its reputation in the Middle East significantly dented, this trend is likely to become pronounced.