China's military and economic rise has made it the most prominent challenger to America's global dominance. Amidst this intensifying Sino-American strategic rivalry, the need to balance relations with these two superpowers is becoming a significant challenge, including for Muslim majority countries.

Prominent Muslims nations in South Asia and in the Middle East, which have traditionally maintained strong ties with the US, are now trying to further their own national interests by forging closer ties with China as well.

In the South Asian region, China has significantly enhanced military cooperation with Pakistan and become the most prominent bilateral lender for the economically stressed country via provision of significant loans for CPEC. China is now the largest trading partner for Bangladesh, and ties between the two countries are posed to strengthen, especially amidst the growing Bangladeshi rift with India.

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