UAE’s AD Ports Group opens first China office: What to know UAE-China trade relations are on the rise amid persistent US scrutiny over sensitive technology. United Arab Emirates
Newsletter: China-Middle East How US exit from UNESCO helps China China is poised to expand its influence within UNESCO and the broader UN as the Trump administration once again retreats from the agency. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Iran, Russia launch naval drills ahead of trilateral nuclear talks with China Naval forces from Iran and Russia begin joint military drills in the Caspian Sea, reflecting deepening ties between the two countries that come just weeks after Iran’s 12-day war with Israel and the collapse of nuclear talks with the United States. Iran
Saudi Arabia's Diriyah awards Chinese firm $1.53B contract: What to know Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Company has awarded a major contract to China Harbour Engineering Company for the development of a Vision 2030 project. China
Newsletter: China-Middle East Why rearming Iran is risky gambit for China — for now By Joyce Karam In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East
Gulf states court China, ASEAN at landmark Malaysia summit: What to know The Gulf Cooperation Council’s summit with the Southeast Asia bloc was expanded to include China, bringing the emir of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat to Malaysia. Qatar
Newsletter: China-Middle East Meet Iran's new ambassador to China This week, the Islamic Republic announced the appointment of Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli as its new ambassador to Beijing. Who is Fazli? What does the appointment mean for the Iran-China relationship? By Joyce Karam In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East
Who is Iran’s new ambassador to China? Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli served in various capacities during both administrations of President Hassan Rouhani in a career marred with the brutal crackdown against the 2019 protests. Iran
China expands foothold in Egypt’s Suez with $17M garment deals China has signed more than a billion dollars' worth of deals in the Suez Canal Economic Zone this year as the waterway reels from the Red Sea crisis. Egypt
Newsletter: China-Middle East Mixed bag for China from Trump’s Gulf tour Although during President Trump's regional tour there have been no major breakthroughs, new avenues for AI cooperation between US companies and Gulf partners will be causing some uneasiness in Beijing. By Joyce Karam In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East
Analysis Symbolism or strategy? Inside Egypt, China’s first joint air exercise China’s first air drills in Egypt project power near critical trade routes, while Cairo maneuvers between Western military ties and Beijing’s growing defense diplomacy. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Newsletter: China-Middle East 🇨🇳🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia reassures China ahead of Trump visit By Joyce Karam In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East
Meet Omer Siddig, Sudan's new foreign minister, former ambassador to China General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has appointed veteran diplomat Omer Siddig as Sudan's new minister of foreign affairs, filling the role following the dismissal of his predecessor, Ali Youssif, in mid-April. Sudan
China JV wins $1.13 billion contract to relocate Saudi university facilities The KSU deal marks the latest in a series of large contracts awarded by the Diriyah Company, which is overseeing the city project. Saudi Arabia
US sanctions China-Iran network aiding Tehran missile program The Trump administration is stepping up sanctions on Iran as it conducts talks over its rapidly expanding nuclear program. Iran
China’s Sinopec, Saudi Aramco to establish $4B energy venture: What to know The joint venture will engage in port operations, crude oil transportation and other activities at the refinery and petrochemical complex in the Gulei Port Economic Development Zone in Zhangzhou, in China's Fujian province. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can Modi leverage Saudi-China ties to reshape India’s global standing? The Saudi "pivot to the east" requires a careful balancing act to avoid antagonizing the United States and damaging ties with China. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran