In terms of geopolitical optics, this week was nothing short of a banquet. It served up at least two sets of images that seem to crystallize our historical moment and that will live on in the Wikipedia of history as shorthand for where the world was in 2025.
One is the waves of uncannily synchronized soldiers and a bewildering array of high-tech weaponry gliding down Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue. The ...
Category: China-Middle East
China and the Middle East: The Future in Three Scenarios
China's rapidly expanding presence in the Middle East has sparked a mix of anxiety and excitement, depending on one's perspective. Washington regards Beijing's support of Iran and the Palestinian cause, among other things, as key threats to its strategic interests. While ...
Saudi Minister Leads High-Level Investment Delegation to China
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, is in Beijing with a high-powered delegation to discuss new trade and investment cooperation. China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, and Chinese foreign direct investment by stock increased 28.8% last year, while investment inflows jumped by 164%. ...
China Warns Against Gaza Occupation
China has called on Israel to halt its recently announced plans to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. Geng Shuang, China’s envoy to the United Nations, said on Tuesday that Beijing is concerned about the plans, and called on Israel to “immediately halt such dangerous actions.” ...
Independent Chinese Companies Drive Oil Investment Boom in Iraq
Independent Chinese companies are reportedly crowding into the Iraqi oil sector. Representatives from four Chinese companies recently said their combined output will reach 500,000 barrels per day by 2030, a 100% increase from current levels. The investment boom comes as smaller
Chinese Car Exports to Mexico and UAE Surge
China’s three top markets for automotive exports saw different outcomes in the first half of the year. New data released by the Chinese auto tracker Yiche showed that exports to Mexico surged by 31%, largely due to the popularity of affordable BYD models like the Seagull.
Analysis from Cobus van Staden
China Reiterates Support for Palestinian State Amid Starvation Crisis
China reiterated its long-term support for a Palestinian state this week, adding its voice to recent statements from the United Kingdom, Canada, and France that they could formally recognize statehood at the UN General Assembly. China’s special envoy to ...
Iran’s Isolation Highlights China’s Calculated Restraint
By Razan Shawamreh The recent Iran-Israel war has underscored a sobering reality for Tehran: When push comes to shove, China is far more likely to adapt to Iran’s decline or collapse than bear the costs of coming to its aid.
WEEK IN REVIEW: Russia, China Plan Joint Military Drills 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly said on Wednesday that Russia is planning joint military exercises with China in 2025. No details about the date and nature of the exercises were released. China and Russia last held joint exercises in September 2024 off Russia’s eastern coast. (REUTERS) ...
Chinese Mideast Scholars Put the U.S. at the Center of the Conflict Between Israel and Iran
The escalating war between Iran and Israel was a top story over the weekend on China's largest news portals and state-run media channels, generating significantly more buzz online than other international conflicts. As is customary, Chinese media narratives took their cues ...
China Would be Disproportionately Impacted If Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian government is reportedly considering closing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz that serves as the only maritime gateway for Persian Gulf energy exports to the international market. Should the Iranians block the Strait, China would be disproportionately impacted.
China Isn’t Feigning Neutrality in the Iran-Israel War as Beijing Firmly Supports Tehran
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with the foreign ministers of Israel and Iran over the weekend as both countries launched devastating missile attacks against civilian targets in each other's countries. But in contrast to other recent conflicts where ...
Chinese Perspectives on Trump’s Middle East Tour
By Giorgia Facchini From May 13 to May 16, Donald Trump embarked on his first major international trip of his second term, a four-day tour of the Gulf, with the U.S. President visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates ...