Kuwait Iran infiltration case puts focus on China-backed island port

Kuwait's accusation that alleged Iran-linked infiltrators tried to reach Bubiyan Island has drawn attention to a China-backed port project on the island, according to an Associated Press report.

Kuwaiti authorities said on Tuesday that men detained after allegedly trying to enter the country by sea admitted links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and had been tasked with infiltrating Bubiyan Island to carry out hostile acts.

Bubiyan Island, in northeastern Kuwait near the Iraqi border, hosts the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port project, which China has backed as part of broader regional infrastructure investment.

The China angle was highlighted by the Associated Press as US President Donald Trump prepares to travel to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.