China in the Middle East

New Delhi needs to assess if China’s growing involvement in the Gulf is detrimental to its long-term security interests and the regional balance of power.

China's brokering of the Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement advances several diplomatic priorities for Beijing.

Beijing prefers to lead from behind, engaging in “quasi-mediation” on diplomatic processes that are already in motion.

When it was clear that an agreement was possible to finalize the détente, China took the mantle of responsibility and the role of a direct mediator.

The major diplomatic breakthrough, negotiated in Beijing with China as mediator, is a demonstration of China's influence in the Middle East.

Yes, the oil trade is a major factor. But China’s eagerness to also invest in technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure is driving the next phase of cooperation.

Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Riyadh resulted in a rare diplomatic rebuke from Tehran. 

China-Saudi Arabia relations are both deeper and more limited than recent coverage suggests.

Xi Jinping will attend the first China-Arab States summit as both sides see an opportunity to advance relations. 

Chinese companies, acting out of both economic and geostrategic motives, are providing much of the MENA region’s digital infrastructure.

Beijing had the edge in the early stages of the pandemic, but the preference for mRNA vaccines amid the Omicron variant has helped boost U.S. vaccine diplomacy.