'Arab NATO'? Could China replace US as Gulf’s main weapon supplier

The article discusses the potential shift in military alliances and arms suppliers in the Gulf region following recent Israeli airstrikes on Qatar, which killed Hamas operatives and triggered emergency meetings among Arab and Islamic leaders. These meetings, held in Doha, included representatives from the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iraq, Palestine, and Gulf states. One key proposal under consideration is the formation of a joint military coalition, sometimes referred to as an “Arab NATO.” This coalition aims to enhance regional defense cooperation and could mark a significant move away from traditional Western military suppliers like the US and Europe, toward greater reliance on Chinese-designed weapons systems and technical support. China has increasingly become a prominent arms supplier in the Middle East over the past decade, offering a range of military hardware including ballistic missiles, armed drones, artillery, radar systems, and missile corvettes. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt have incorporated Chinese military technology into their forces.