The Center for Naval Analysis published in February 2019 a major report titled "China's Presence in the Middle East and Western Indian Ocean: Beyond Belt and Road" by Jeffrey Becker, Erica Downs, Ben DeThomas, and Patrick de Gategno.
This study examines China's growing presence in 23 countries in the Middle East, East Africa, and Western Indian Ocean. It looks at China's diplomatic, propaganda, military, and economic engagement in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.