Analysis China plays peacemaker while letting US bleed in Iran Beijing’s push for a ceasefire in the Iran war highlights its diplomatic ambitions — but entrenched actors and limited leverage leave its plan short on real prospects. By Joyce Karam
China, Pakistan announce 5-point plan to end Iran war: What to know The call came during Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing, which comes as part of Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach to mediate an end to the US-Israel-Iran war. Iran
Analysis Five reasons China is in no rush to end Iran war Despite global economic disruptions, China may tolerate prolonged US involvement in Iran, as it could drain American resources and shift focus away from the Indo-Pacific. By Joyce Karam
China to send aid to Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan as Trump delays Beijing summit The aid announcement comes as President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his late March visit to China would be postponed. China
Iran says Vienna talks on ‘good path’ Iranian media and officials have expressed optimism over the latest round of nuclear talks. By Al-Monitor Staff
China provides grant to Syrian nonprofit The grant followed a phone conversation between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, about China's global economic initiatives and reconstruction in Syria. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Intel: UAE suspends F-35 talks over US security demands Emirati officials head to the Pentagon on Wednesday for two days of strategic talks with Washington. United Arab Emirates
Syrian Olympic Committee takes China's side against US China is facing increased scrutiny in the sports world ahead of the Winter Olympics it is hosting next year, including calls to boycott the games and concern about female tennis star Peng Shuai. News Brief
Egypt's dispute with Chinese company stalls electric car production The manufacture of the first-ever locally made electric car in Egypt has hit a bump due to failed negotiations between the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry and Dongfeng Motor Corporation regarding the agreement to manufacture the E70 electric car. Egypt
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
US pressures Israel on trade with China Washington is calling on Israel to change the way it monitors foreign investments in Israel, and Israel is likely to take appeasing measures. Israel
Chinese foreign minister in Qatar for talks with the Taliban Qatar has a history of mediation related to Afghanistan. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
UAE, China discuss 'outstanding friendship' in call China is working on improving its relations with Gulf states, primarily focusing on development. News Brief
Chinese-operated port opens in Israel despite American concerns The Biden administration is relaying to Jerusalem the same fears expressed by former US administrations over Chinese investments in Israel. Israel
