Analysis

In Syria, China not beholden to Assad but alarmed over Uyghur links to HTS

While Assad's regional policies were in semblance with China’s when it came to supporting the Palestinians, defying US policy and shoring up ties with Iran, it was Bashar’s cronyism, his mishandling of the war and the economy that made him less of a strategic asset for Beijing.

By Joyce Karam

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East

Senior China delegation in Iran to discuss 'strategic partnership,' economic ties

Iran hosted a Chinese delegation on Tuesday and Wednesday in a step to solidify a 2021 strategic partnership agreement, but can the two countries’ partnership weather the upcoming Donald Trump presidency?

Iran

Analysis

Iran looks to invest $6B in Afghanistan as route to China: What to know

Engaging the Taliban has become a must in Tehran's efforts not only to improve transportation in and boost trade with Afghanistan in the face of economic sanctions, but also to achieve its goal of having a reliable, overland trade route to China.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

China's Xi Jingping in Morocco as Beijing eyes bigger role in Africa's infrastructure boom

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Morocco on Thursday as China wades deeper into Morocco's transportation and EV industries.

Morocco

Saudi Arabia, Iran, China slam Israel at Riyadh meeting: What we know

The China-Saudi Arabia-Iran Trilateral Joint Committee met for the second time in the Saudi capital, more than a year after the Chinese-brokered deal that resumed relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

China not surprised by Donald Trump's win, sees Middle East opening

Trump's expected heavy focus on conflicts and hostility to Iran, grant China an opening when it comes to international diplomacy and expanding its ties in the Middle East.

By Joyce Karam

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East

Analysis

Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf

Gulf states are familiar with Donald Trump and his transactional nature but have also managed to forge their own regional alliances over the last four years.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

China to issue up to $2B in bonds in Saudi Arabia as business ties deepen

The two countries have been deepening economic and trade ties to help each other meet strategic initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

In Middle East, China's influence unconstrained by Trump, Harris

In theory, Beijing may favor the predictability of Harris over the uncertainty of Trump. But in practice, China did exceedingly well in the Middle East during Trump’s presidency and has successfully navigated challenges under the Biden-Harris administration

By Joyce Karam

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East

In first, Saudi Arabia to begin trading China-focused ETF: What we know

The ETF, which will begin trading on the Saudi Stock Exchange, has raised more than $1.2 billion.

China

Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

What to make of China's softening rhetoric on Israel, Gaza war

China appears to be softening its criticisms of Israel's conduct in the Israel-Hamas war and the conflict in Lebanon. Why the change of tune?

By Dale Aluf

In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East