Gulf States Plan to Remove US Bases and Replace Them with Chinese Economic Zones

Several Gulf countries are reportedly considering plans to reduce or remove American military bases from their territories. The stated intention is to develop expanded Chinese-backed economic zones and investment projects.

The move would be a major strategic shift.

It would reduce Washington’s military footprint while deepening economic ties between Gulf states and China.

The US currently maintains about 40,000 to 50,000 personnel across roughly ten countries in the region. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar alone hosts over 10,000 troops.

The war with Iran has changed everything.

American bases have become liabilities, not assets. They painted targets on the backs of Gulf countries. Iran struck the Al Minhad base in the UAE, a US command centre, with missiles and drones. Hosting US forces now invites attack rather than providing protection.

Gulf leaders feel betrayed. They were not consulted before the war started. They have been left to deal with the consequences. The old oil-for-security arrangement no longer holds.

China offers a different model.

Not military alliances. Long-term energy contracts, infrastructure investment, digital technology, industrial projects, and trade interdependence. No political conditions. No foreign troops. Just business.

The UAE has warned Trump that it will use the Chinese yuan for oil trade if the dollar supply is disrupted. Saudi Arabia has already carved out a 30-square-kilometre special economic zone for China in Riyadh.

If the Gulf states can replace US bases with Chinese investment, what happens to the American order in the Middle East. And how long before Washington realises that bombing Iran has cost it its closest allies.