The energy needs of the GCC and China are intertwined in a relationship that is complicated by geopolitics: GCC countries are unhappy with China’s role in Iran’s energy sector, albeit limited, and its support for Syria’s President Bashar al-Asad.

Despite this hiccup, GCC companies and Chinese companies are developing major downstream projects. But, in the long-term, rising North American NGL exports threaten Gulf dominance of the Asia-Pacific petrochemicals market. (CONTINUED - 1459 WORDS)