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GCC-ASEAN Summit: The Gulf's Pivot to Asia in Shifting Geopolitical Landscape



The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is strategically shifting its focus towards Asia in a geopolitical context that is changing quickly. There will be a turning point with the impending GCC-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Riyadh. Beyond conventional oil-centric perspectives, the GCC seeks to forge strong commercial links, realizing the enormous potential of the Asian market.

To lessen dependency on oil money, the GCC has economic diversification as a top priority. The geopolitical environment, where Iran is diverting its attention to the East as a result of Western sanctions, is also impacting the GCC's strategic decisions. Regional conflicts are becoming more pronounced in Asia as a result of the expansion of geopolitical competition that was previously limited to the Middle East and Africa.

This turn towards Asia is being driven by Saudi Arabia, a transformative GCC player, and is being driven by both economic and geopolitical concerns. Saudi Arabia's objectives are also influenced by Iran's rising presence in Asia, while the UAE also sees Asia through an economic lens.

The GCC-ASEAN Summit will strengthen cooperation in a variety of fields, including energy, defense, security, digital infrastructure, and technology transfers. Various sectors, including real estate and the oil industry, are included in the GCC's investment goals for ASEAN. In exchange, ASEAN countries look for GCC investments to strengthen their capabilities and reduce their reliance on particular partners.

The GCC sees a win-win opportunity for diversification in striking a balance in its relations with China and the ASEAN. While exploring new options and hedging bets, the drive towards Asia is not intended to sour relations with China. This strategic change necessitates a thorough analysis of regional dynamics and an active effort to shape upcoming alliances.
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