IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Iraq: China's Strategic Partner in Energy and Reconstruction

Iraq: China's Strategic Partner in Energy and Reconstruction
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Bo Zhang (Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, China)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 28
Source title: Cases on China's Partnerships and International Development in Asia
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Youssef Elhaoussine (Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, China), Edoardo Monaco (Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, China), Selçuk Çolakoğlu (Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, China)and Michal Vavřík (Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, China)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-2990-1.ch003

Purchase

View Iraq: China's Strategic Partner in Energy and Reconstruction on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

This case analyzes the evolution and current dynamics of China–Iraq relations, arguing that they form a comprehensive but asymmetric partnership centered on oil-for-reconstruction and embedded in the Belt and Road Initiative. It traces how Iraq's post-conflict reconstruction needs and oil dependence intersect with China's search for energy security, markets, and regional influence, producing deep cooperation in hydrocarbons, power generation, transport, housing, water infrastructure, and limited renewables. The study also assesses growing yet secondary cooperation in finance, education, media, and cultural exchange, and highlights structural obstacles—security risks, governance weaknesses, trade imbalance, environmental degradation, and limited people-to-people ties—that jeopardize long-term sustainability. It concludes that China–Iraq cooperation exemplifies Beijing's wider economic statecraft in fragile states while risking a lock-in of Iraqi dependence unless the model is diversified and made greener and more inclusive.

Related Content

Piotr Pietrzak. © 2026. 32 pages.
Georgios Koukakis. © 2026. 30 pages.
Yunus Emre Ozigci. © 2026. 46 pages.
Zafar Mahfooz Nomani, Saddam Husain. © 2026. 36 pages.
Muhammad Arif Khan. © 2026. 18 pages.
Aditya Agrawal, Yashfeen Ali, Abhijit Mishra, Roshni Parveen. © 2026. 28 pages.
Aayushi Goel, Akash Bag, Vineet Mishra, Nupur Kumari. © 2026. 40 pages.
Body Bottom