What Will China-Gulf Relations Look Like After the War?
After the recent Middle East conflict, China has intensified its diplomatic outreach to the Gulf, unveiling a China‑Pakistan five‑point peace plan, vetoing Bahrain’s UN resolution on Hormuz, and presenting a new four‑point strategy during the Abu Dhabi crown prince’s visit to Beijing. Xi Jinping’s phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his criticism of U.S. “law of the jungle” stance underscore Beijing’s desire to position itself as a stabilizing power. However, China’s own economy shows signs of strain from the war’s fallout, raising questions about the durability of its Gulf engagement. The article draws a parallel with the once‑promising China‑Israel tech partnership that fizzled, suggesting China‑GCC ties may face a similar test if they remain transactional.
Why Did the UAE Leave OPEC?
The United Arab Emirates announced it will leave OPEC effective May 1, framing the decision as a policy move designed to limit disruption for producers and consumers. Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the timing minimizes price impact and aligns with rising...
Xi and MBS Phone Call
On April 20, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership. The leaders reviewed existing cooperation, emphasized mutual respect, and discussed regional security,...
China and Iran: Alignment Under Sanctions
The China‑Iran relationship remains fragile, with elite‑level trust far weaker than Beijing’s ties to Russia. While the 2016 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signals political alignment, it operates more as a flexible hedge than a binding alliance, especially under U.S. pressure. Economic...
"Irresponsible and Dangerous"
A new Routledge volume, Guo Xiaoli’s *China‑Turkey Relations: Unravelling the Puzzle*, joins a nine‑book series on Asia‑Middle East dynamics, filling a notable gap in English scholarship on the bilateral ties. The author highlights Turkey’s strategic position in the Middle Corridor,...
[COPY] China and the UAE: A Reading List
The author reposts a curated reading list on China‑UAE relations, compiled in December 2024 and refreshed amid Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s inaugural Beijing visit. The list spans monographs, peer‑reviewed journal articles, and think‑tank analyses that trace...
Hormuz as Precedent
The UN Security Council is set to vote on Bahrain’s revised resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, replacing the original language that authorized "all necessary means" with a more limited, defensive clause. China, which had opposed the initial draft,...
Containment without Commitment: China and the Limits of the CRINK Alignment
The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs released a 35,000‑word report titled “Containment without Commitment: China and the Limits of the CRINK Alignment,” part of its Fault Lines series that dissects trust and mistrust among China, Russia, Iran and North...
NEW REPORT - EV Endgame: Stalling China’s Export Surge in Europe’s Southern Neighbourhood
A new ECFR report details how Chinese electric‑vehicle and battery firms are rapidly establishing production and sales footholds across Morocco, Turkey, the Gulf states and broader MENA region. The strategy is designed to capture emerging market share while sidestepping looming...
More on China and the Middle East War
China has launched a high‑profile diplomatic campaign to halt the escalating Iran‑U.S./Israel war, calling for an immediate cease‑fire and a return to negotiations. Beijing emphasizes its flexible, interest‑based partnerships with Tehran rather than a binding alliance, underscoring that the Middle...
Changing Narratives on China-MENA
A wave of think‑tank discussions in early 2025 highlighted a shift in how experts view China’s role in the Middle East. After a period of heightened activity—dubbed “peak China‑MENA” between Xi’s 2022 Saudi visit and the October 2023 Hamas attack—analysts now...
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the Middle East: A Conversation with Eva Seiwert
In this episode, host Jonathan Fulton talks with Dr. Eva Seiwert about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s expanding role in the Middle East, noting Iran’s recent full membership and the region’s growing list of dialogue partners. Seiwert explains the SCO’s dual nature—as...