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
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
Israel opens Chinese-run terminal at Haifa port Biden's CIA director raised concerns about Beijing's growing investment in Israel, according to a report. Israel
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
New UN report on Islamic State gives Ankara another headache Security Council report red flags Uyghur diaspora in Turkey as a recruitment source for jihadi networks in Syria and Afghanistan. Turkey
Chinese oil companies fill void in Iraq As major Western oil companies reconsider their positions in Iraq, China is seizing the opportunities offered by their departure. Iraq
Is China ready to intervene in Nile dam crisis? Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry briefed his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the latest developments in the Grand Ethiopian Dam crisis — a move that observers believe is aimed at pushing Beijing to pressure Addis Ababa on the dam negotiations. Egypt
Biden administration not trading Syrian oil for aid corridors with Moscow The Biden administration said Syrian oil is for the people of Syria, not for the United States. Syria
Bahraini prisoner's death from COVID-19 prompts protests Husain Barakat received China's Sinopharm vaccine but died anyway after contracting the coronavirus in prison. Legacy: Gulf
China-Iran cooperation goes slow in context of nuclear talks Beijing and Tehran are deepening ties across sectors, but progress will depend on the Vienna talks and Iran’s elections. Iran
Egypt turns to China for water advice amid Nile dam crisis Egypt is looking to China for expertise on water management as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis continues to threaten its water supply. Egypt
Egyptian-Chinese cooperation extends to education, space Egyptian-Chinese cooperation is growing, most recently evidenced by an agreement to teach the Chinese language in Egyptian schools. Egypt
Saudi Arabia, Iran held direct talks in bid to ease tensions Talks between the two countries were organized by Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraq
