As China expands its involvement in the Iraqi economy, Beijing is seen as increasingly wielding its economic clout to influence Iraq’s domestic political scene. This is taking place as Baghdad is seeking a more autonomous role in the region within a rapidly reshaping regional dynamic. Pursuit of the latter objective has pushed the administration of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ Al-Sudani to knit itself ever closer to Beijing’s regional strategy.

As a result, some observers have suggested that Iraq may soon struggle to assert itself as China cements its economic and...