Newsletter: Gulf Gulf states step up China diplomacy as Trump’s lame-duck session nears Oman and Saudi Arabia are deepening diplomatic outreach to Beijing as the outcome of Tuesday’s US midterm elections introduces fresh uncertainty over Washington’s Iran policy. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis Why China stands to gain from Trump's midterm drubbing Beijing can now portray its diplomatic backing, purchases of Iranian oil and provision of dual-use technology as having helped Iran withstand a war that has exacted a political price from the US president. By Joyce Karam
Oman’s sultan concludes historic China visit amid US tensions: What to know The visit, the first by an Omani head of state since 1978, comes as Oman is reportedly considering purchasing Chinese- and Pakistani-made JF-17 fighter jets as part of efforts to diversify its international partnerships amid growing regional tensions. Oman
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Oman’s sultan makes historic China visit Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said met with China’s President Xi Jinping on Monday, the first visit by an Omani head of state to China since 1978. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Analysis What Oman's potential JF-17 fighter jet deal means for China and Pakistan By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Saudi-China energy cooperation strengthened by Uzbek wind project sale Both Saudi Arabia and China are seeking to tap into Uzbekistan's and Central Asia’s energy potential. Saudi Arabia
Guarded optimism on Palestinian reconciliation ahead of Fatah-Hamas meeting in China Officials in Ramallah say that Hamas accepting the creation of a Palestinian state within the framework of the two-state solution is crucial to progressing Palestinian reconciliation efforts. Palestine
Iraq-China ties progress with Nasiriyah airport project Relations between Iraq and China are strengthening, in part due to Chinese interest in Iraqi oil and infrastructure projects. Iraq
China, UAE hold air force drills in Xinjiang as defense relations grow The joint air force training exercise, dubbed Falcon Shield, began on Wednesday in the northwest Xinjiang province of China and will continue until late July. United Arab Emirates
China's BYD, world's biggest EV maker, invests $1B in Turkish plant In a post on the social media platform X on Monday, Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz confirmed that BYD is expected to begin production of vehicles in the new factory at the end of 2026 and that the facility will provide around 5,000 direct jobs. Turkey
Erdogan meets Xi, praises Turkey’s ties with China-led SCO bloc The Turkish president reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the China-led bloc. Turkey