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

Egypt, Turkey ink investment deals with China on SCO Summit sidelines

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were in China for the two-day summit.

Egypt

Analysis

How India-China reset could ease competition over Middle East energy, trade

Experts suggest the improved ties could allow both countries to pursue joint projects and strengthen their economic and strategic roles in the Middle East.

By Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

At SCO summit in China, Iran seeks support ahead of UN sanctions

China's SCO will bring together major world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, as Tehran seeks support amid mounting Western pressure.

China