Culture

Algeria, China deepen cultural ties with opening of Confucius Institute

Algeria this week inaugurated the institute, marking a major milestone in cultural and academic cooperation with China.

Algeria

Saudi Arabia courts Chinese firms in mining investment drive

Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with executives from more than 20 mining firms in Beijing on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Beijing's soft power

This week, Algeria inaugurated its first Confucius Institute. The region now boasts 27 of the facilities, a sign of China’s growing educational and cultural footprint.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Newsletter: Gulf

Saudi Arabia deepens China industrial partnership

Saudi Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef is leading a five-day mission to China this week, advancing cooperation on industrial manufacturing and critical minerals as Riyadh pursues its Vision 2030 goals.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Analysis

As Israelis sour on China, Netanyahu provokes Beijing — but to what end?

With China already opposing Israeli actions in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused China and Qatar of orchestrating anti-Israel campaigns on social media.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Why Morocco matters to Beijing

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita will head to Beijing tomorrow, as China-Morocco relations grow. But any deep engagement with Morocco inevitably intersects with one of North Africa's most entrenched political disputes: Western Sahara.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone posts record $237M revenues

Suez Canal transit revenues declined 54% between July 2024 and March 2025, caused by reduced shipping traffic in the Red Sea amid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial vessels.

Egypt

China-made flying car makes first test flight in UAE: What to know

The Chinese company is facing competition from a US firm that is currently developing an air taxi service in Dubai.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: China-Middle East

How Beijing calculates risk in Qatar

With major energy contracts and growing commercial ties at play, Beijing’s interests in Qatar give it reason to be wary of escalation.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

China calls on BRICS to boost multilateral trade as Iran, UAE eye closer ties

The UAE’s and Egypt’s trade with BRICS members is on the rise, while Iran’s efforts to increase economic ties are complicated by sanctions.

China

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Turkey, Egypt vie for Chinese investment

China used last weekend’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin to spotlight the bloc’s growing reach. From Egypt's and Turkey’s business deals with Beijing to Iran’s diplomatic maneuvering, the summit made clear that the region sits squarely within China’s orbit.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Iran’s Pezeshkian meets Xi in Beijing as China, Russia try to stall E3 sanctions

Iran’s president met China's in Beijing after the SCO summit, which backed Iran’s against international sanctions and condemned US-Israeli strikes on the country earlier this summer.

Iran