US Senate approves Joe Kent as US counterterrorism chief: What to know Kent’s nomination raised alarm among Democrats due to his history of promoting right-wing conspiracy theories and recent efforts to pressure a senior intelligence official to revise an assessment that contradicted Trump administration narratives. United States
China steps in to help electrify Iran’s railways: What to know Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref met with members of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce on Monday as ties grow. Iran
Interview Growing Chinese competition in Mideast car market 'key challenge,' Ford says Chinese automotive companies are increasing their market share and are projected to capture 34% of the Middle East and Africa market by 2030, according to one analysis. Ravi Ravichandran President of Ford Middle East and North Africa
Analysis Can Turkey become BYD’s back door to Europe as China reroutes EV strategy? Chinese electric car company BYD’s accelerating plans in Turkey may mark a turning point in its push into Europe as competition with Tesla shifts gears. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
2023 in review: China pulls a Middle East coup, but can it sustain expectations? From Saudi Arabia to Egypt, China saw its diplomatic and technology clout significantly grow in the region but still faces limitations in delivering on defense and security arrangements. Legacy: Gulf
What does Saudi Arabia's CICA membership mean for its Asia pivot? The kingdom’s achievement of observer status in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia follows similar moves with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. Legacy: Gulf
Houthi attacks: Hundreds of ships to reroute from Red Sea, 44% cost spike for China The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil, fuel and consumer goods, and shipments between Asia and Europe typically go through the sea and the Suez Canal. Yemen
US looks to China as Yemen’s Houthis ramp up Red Sea attacks Maritime attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have rattled energy markets and thrown Yemen's peace process in doubt. Legacy: Gulf
China's Nio electric vehicle maker gets $2.2 billion from UAE investment firm Nio is seeking money from the Middle East due to its financial struggles. Legacy: Gulf
China-Saudi Investment Conference begins in Beijing China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner and biggest customer of its primary commodity: crude oil. Saudi Arabia
Saudi PIF ups investment in China’s Alibaba-backed tech fund eWTP Arabia Capital invests in energy and technology start-ups across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Saudi Arabia
China, Egypt send jointly made MisrSat-2 satellite into orbit The MisrSat-2 was assembled inside Egypt with Chinese support, making it the first Egyptian-made satellite. Egypt
How significant is Aras corridor for Iran, Azerbaijan to gain Black Sea foothold? A railway agreement in October between Iran and Azerbaijan has given a major boost to the potential of establishing the Aras corridor, offering Tehran a potential inroad into the Black Sea. By Rahim Rahimov In Baku, reporting on Middle East-Caucasus ties
UAE-China ink multibillion-dollar deals as ties grow The United Arab Emirates and China are major trade partners and have strengthened cooperation in both finance and energy in recent months. Legacy: Gulf
What $6.9B China-Saudi currency swap means for Beijing’s efforts to globalize yuan China’s increasing economic influence and the high price of the US dollar, which has increased amid increasing interest rates to tame inflation, have led some economies to switch to cheaper yuan-denominated transactions. Saudi Arabia
