China, Egypt to hold first air force drill as military ties grow: What to know The exercise scheduled for mid-April comes as Egypt-China ties are growing both militarily and economically despite US pressure on Cairo. China
Analysis From Rafales to railways: Egypt walks tightrope between China, West While Chinese investments reshape Egypt’s economy, structural trade imbalances and conflicting regional interests highlight the limits of this “golden decade” of cooperation By Dale Aluf In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East
IAEA’s Grossi to visit Tehran ahead of second round of US-Iran nuclear talks The IAEA chief’s visit comes just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran and less than a week after a senior Iranian official threatened to halt compliance with the nuclear watchdog. Iran
China courts Gulf, BRICS allies as trade war with US escalates Since US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries on April 2, Beijing has stepped up engagement with Riyadh. China
Analysis As China opens to Sharaa, Uyghurs and reconstruction shadow future ties with Syria By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
What's behind Saudi Arabia's increase in crude oil prices for Asian market? The kingdom wants to restrain oil production to keep demand up, but the increase in prices to Asian customers is more related to refining values, says one expert. Saudi Arabia
As it seeks to rival China and Pakistan, India sets its sights on Oman trade deal The agreement could serve as a "strategic lever" for New Delhi to expand its influence in the Middle East. Oman
Analysis What’s behind China’s decision to host Hamas-Fatah talks? China has not achieved any breakthroughs in its efforts to mediate between Fatah and Hamas but is seeking a greater role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in part due to its rivalry with the United States, says one expert. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Chinese investors skeptical as Gulf pushes for deeper economic ties with Beijing Gulf states are building economic ties with Beijing in non-energy fields, but Chinese investors remain skeptical of ambitious economic diversification plans in the Gulf. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
China hosts Hamas, Fatah delegations for reconciliation talks The meeting follows a Hamas official's statement that the movement was ready to join the PLO. Palestine
Bahrain's Investcorp, China's CIC launch $1B Sino-Gulf investment platform The companies the fund will target are expected to have high growth potential in attractive sectors, including consumer, health care, logistics and business services, the Bahrain-based alternative asset manager said. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia-South Korea ties grow with industry push, pivot east Saudi Arabia is seeking to become a hub for traditional and electric vehicles, and the kingdom’s relations with South Korea are growing in several sectors. Saudi Arabia
Three reasons behind rare China-Hamas meeting in Qatar From the location to the timing and the messaging, the China-Hamas meeting on Sunday underscored Beijing's messaging and approach to the Gaza war without, however, elevating its role to a broker in the conflict. Palestine
China’s Middle East diplomat meets Hamas' Haniyeh in Qatar China confirmed a meeting between a Foreign Ministry official and Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Doha as Beijing seeks a wider role in the region. Palestine
Are Iran-Russia-China naval drills 'symbolic' or security tilt to East? While this marked the fifth consecutive year the three nations held joint naval exercises, current regional dynamics lent this edition "much deeper symbolism" than a routine drill. Iran
Analysis India courts Israel while calling for Gaza cease-fire and expanding Gulf ties In Jerusalem, Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval expressed his country’s support for Israel while also calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
What to know about MGX, UAE’s latest AI investment firm The launch of the AI-focused firm follows the UAE’s largest company appointing an AI bot to its board, as Abu Dhabi seeks to become a world player in artificial intelligence. United Arab Emirates
