Iran oil exports to China fall sharply amid US sanctions, weakened demand China is by far Iran’s largest customer for oil, snapping up around 90% of the Islamic Republic’s shipments. Iran
China expands visa-free policy to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait During a landmark summit in Malaysia, China announced an exemption for nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait from the need for entry visas. China
Gulf states court China, ASEAN at landmark Malaysia summit: What to know The Gulf Cooperation Council’s summit with the Southeast Asia bloc was expanded to include China, bringing the emir of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat to Malaysia. Qatar
Who is Iran’s new ambassador to China? Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli served in various capacities during both administrations of President Hassan Rouhani in a career marred with the brutal crackdown against the 2019 protests. Iran
Analysis Trump promises arms sales to the Gulf, but can he deliver? By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis With US-Saudi defense pact stalled, Trump eyes civilian nuclear deal By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Turkey-China in 'advanced' talks on EV manufacturing as Beijing footprint grows Turkey and the Gulf states are aggressively pursuing electric vehicles with entities eyeing cooperation with China. Turkey
Saudi cautious as Iran looks to make gains from Putin’s China visit As Putin was making his way to Beijing, Alexie Miller, chair of Russia’s Gazprom, was in Tehran, where he met First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Oil Minister Javad Owji, the company said. Saudi Arabia
With second meeting in June, China finds opportunity in Hamas-Fatah talks China is increasingly seeing Hamas as a legitimate political force in the political process on Palestine’s future and statehood, refusing to condemn or describe the group as a terrorist organization. Palestine
Analysis China wades into Iran-Pakistan mediation, eyes infrastructure projects With trilateral action, Beijing hopes to collectively combat terror groups trying to disrupt its mega-project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
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
