Arab countries should support US on China, Waller says

Arab countries have a self-interest in supporting the United States on China, Center Senior Analyst for Strategy J Michael Waller tells Alhurra Arabic TV.

Energy-producing Arab Gulf states depend on a strong American presence in the region to deter the Iranian regime and others, Waller said, explaining that the US Navy’s aircraft carrier battlegroup presence in the region not only secures the sealanes, but protects Arab countries from Iranian aggression.

If Communist China’s aggressive actions force the US to increase its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region, it would be to Arab countries’ detriment and Iran’s benefit, Waller said. Any such diversion of American seapower from the Middle East to China would benefit Iran.

The interview aired live on July 23.

Dr. Waller has become an increasingly frequent guest on Alhurra to explain US policies to Arab audiences.

Alhurra is the Arabic-language TV network run by the US government for public diplomacy and strategic communication purposes. It has a strong following among Arabic-speaking audiences.