Chinese has deployed its troops at military base of India’s closest Muslim friend, not Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan, its…
US officials are worried because Zayed Military City is very close to Al Dhafra Air Base, where the US 380th Air Expeditionary Force
New Delhi: In a significant geopolitical development, a surprising US intelligence report has stirred fresh tension in the Middle East. According to a report carried by Middle East Eye, two former senior US intelligence officials have claimed that Chinese troops were quietly stationed inside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of America’s key allies and a close partner of India(BHARAT). Here are all the details you need to know about the recent developments in the United Arab Emirates and why India(BHARAT) should be worried.
Chinese presence in UAE
As per media reports, the officials said the UAE allowed China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to operate from Zayed Military City in Abu Dhabi. When US authorities asked permission to visit and inspect the area, the UAE refused. After this denial, US intelligence agencies stepped up monitoring and concluded around 2020 that Chinese troops were present at the site. However, they did not reveal how this presence was detected or what exact role the PLA was playing.
Why is US worried about China’s presence in UAE?
US officials are worried because Zayed Military City is very close to Al Dhafra Air Base, where the US 380th Air Expeditionary Force is stationed. This base is just 20 miles from Abu Dhabi. The fear is that Chinese troops could gather sensitive information about US military operations in the region.
China-UAE military relations
Although it is not clear if Chinese forces are still present, China and the UAE have clearly strengthened military ties. In 2024, both countries conducted a joint air force drill in Xinjiang. Earlier reports also suggested China was building a military facility near Abu Dhabi, which was briefly halted after US objections.
Tensions worsened after intelligence links connected UAE’s AI company G42 with Huawei technology used by the PLA. This led the Biden administration to cancel the F-35 fighter jet deal with the UAE. With China’s influence steadily growing, US officials now fear that the UAE may be slowly moving away from Washington’s strategic control.
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