Saudi PIF eyes $27B Japan portfolio as kingdom courts Asian investment Saudi Arabia is strengthening economic ties with Asian countries as it pursues its economic transformation goals. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Beyond Boeing and Airbus: China’s C919 courts Gulf as aviation power dynamics shift Despite strong interest in Chinese jets, skepticism remains about China’s ability to match Western standards of technology and reliability. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Iran's rebuke of Russia, China exposes cracks in its 'look to East' strategy Pezeshkian comments revived a long-running debate over the fragility of Iran's geopolitical alignments and the asymmetry built into its relations with Moscow and Beijing. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syria FM visits China as Beijing presses Damascus on Uyghur fighters, TIP Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani pledged that his country would not allow foreign fighters to “exploit its territory to carry out activities” that would harm Chinese security. Syria
Analysis Saudi Arabia diversifies with new China naval drills, but military remains Western-centric By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
US hopes Saudi-Iranian deal can dent arms flow to Yemen's Houthis A senior US government official says the Houthi rebel group in Yemen is likely feeling the pressure after its main backer, Iran, agreed to restore relations with Saudi Arabia. Legacy: Gulf
China settles first LNG trade in yuan with UAE deal China has held several discussions with countries in the Middle East and North Africa about conducting trade using its local currency. Legacy: Gulf
Saudis joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization as China bromance blossoms Russia, China and a number of former Soviet states in Central Asia created the SCO in 2001 to counter US hegemony in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi crown prince calls China’s Xi following Iran, energy deals The call marked the first time the two leaders spoke since the Saudi-Iran rapprochement deal brokered by China. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia, UAE court China in search for stability with Iran The Arab Gulf states remain cordial and diplomatic as the United States, Russia, China and Iran feud over spying and matters of international law. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt-China relations strengthen with $2 billion factory deal China is making major economic inroads into Egypt along with other countries in the Middle East. Egypt
Iran flexes military muscle after joint naval drills with Russia, China The exercise included China's powerful Nanning warship and coincided with Tehran’s recent diplomatic pushes to reposition itself in the regional power play by adhering to the “look to the East” policy. Iran
Saudi Arabia, Iran FMs to meet 'soon' after phone call Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed earlier this month to resume relations in a deal brokered by China. Legacy: Gulf
Russia surpasses Saudi Arabia as China’s top oil supplier Energy-related cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China remains strong, but Russia and Saudi Arabia will continue to compete for the Chinese oil market in the near future. Legacy: Gulf
10 soldiers killed in Yemen as fighting with Houthis resumes in Marib The fighting in oil-rich Marib is disrupting renewed efforts to end the Yemeni war amid the cautious optimism that has followed the Saudi-Iranian deal. Legacy: Gulf
Pakistan sees opportunities, questions in China's Iran-Saudi deal Having often been caught in the middle between the rivals, Pakistan is looking forward to calmer Saudi-Iran relations and reaping economic benefits through its partner, China. Legacy: Gulf
US officials skeptical of China's deal but concerned about deterring Iran China’s diplomatic reach into heart of Middle East was an unmistakable signal to Washington. Read more in the weekly security-focused newsletter from Al-Monitor’s Pentagon Correspondent Jared Szuba. Legacy: Gulf
