Analysis China gets around Iran blockade as Gulf courts Beijing Beijing is responding to the Iran war on two fronts: economically, sustaining Iranian oil flows and its Strait of Hormuz routes despite the US blockade; and diplomatically, deepening ties with Gulf states. By Joyce Karam
China signals bigger Gulf role as UAE crown prince visits Beijing China, which maintains close ties with both Iran and Gulf states, is hosting one of the UAE's top officials this week as a fragile ceasefire in the region holds. China
As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies. Iran
Analysis Sanctions relief, Pakistan role propel China backing of Iran-US ceasefire The US–Iran truce boosts Pakistan — one of China’s closest partners — by elevating its role as a mediator and strengthening a regional balance that favors Beijing’s allies. By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll
Pentagon sees warning for China in Turkey's F-35 ouster The Pentagon says the US decision to boot Turkey from the F-35 program for buying a Russian missile system could have implications for nations that invest in Chinese technologies. Turkey
Pentagon repeats warning to Israel on Chinese port deal The Donald Trump administration is repeating warnings to Israel to cancel a potentially lucrative port deal with China. Israel
Intel: US drone shootdown sparks more Gulf tension US President Donald Trump said today that the United States destroyed an Iranian drone that came within 1,000 yards of an American vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense officials told CNN the drone was brought down today by electronic jamming. Iraq
Improved Turkish-Chinese ties come at a cost to Uighurs Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rhetoric on protecting Uighurs' human rights has become subdued as he attempts to lure Chinese investment and other funds to Turkey. Turkey
China deepens ties with UAE with industrial investment Deals worth billions of dollars between China and the United Arab Emirates reflect China's major status as a partner in the Middle East. United Arab Emirates
Iran seeks relief from US sanctions in Asia In its foreign policy toward Asian and Eurasian states, Iran is extending its outreach beyond traditional allies China and Russia to draw support from a range of countries and reduce the impact of US sanctions. Russia
Iran sticks to 'Look to the East' doctrine amid frustration with Europe As Europeans continue to let it down, Iran is increasingly focused on its "Look to the East" doctrine, grabbing every chance to boost trade with China, India and Japan. Iran
Can Kuwait’s Silk City project overcome Islamist opposition in parliament? Kuwaiti lawmakers are raising concerns over possible Chinese investments and liberal regulations involved in the country's economic megaproject, Silk City. Kuwait
Pentagon fears China’s growth in Middle East arms market The Donald Trump administration is worried that China is capturing a larger role in a Middle East arms market that the United States has traditionally dominated. United States
Why Iran needs China to act on far more than oil imports China may be defying US sanctions by likely resuming limited oil imports from Iran, but even that is a largely symbolic move unless Beijing also steps up non-oil trade with Tehran. Iran
Turkey grapples with big trade deficit with China Amid Washington’s trade war on China, Ankara is also grumbling about a massive trade gap with Beijing, but a number of factors stand in Turkey's way to resolve the deficit. Turkey
Will China play a role in lessening US pressure on Iran? As the United States continues to enforce its "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, the Islamic Republic is relying on China not as a sole savior but at least as part of the solution. Iran
