https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/04/04/experts-russia-china-expanding-influence-middle-east-u-s-steps-back/
Experts: Russia, China Expanding Influence in Middle East as U.S. Steps Back
The testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism came soon after several high-ranking U.S. officials warned about increasing cooperation between China and Russia, noting that the partnership represents a significant threat to the United States.
Elisa Catalano Ewers from the Center for a New American Security bipartisan think-tank noted in her written testimony that the perception in the Middle East over the last decade has been that the U.S. is withdrawing from its interests and presence in the region, adding:
China finds in the region a receptive environment for its economic policies while Russia finds room to pursue a multi-pronged strategy that strengthens its overall hand by filling gaps left by the United States.