Analysis

Beyond Boeing and Airbus: China’s C919 courts Gulf as aviation power dynamics shift

Despite strong interest in Chinese jets, skepticism remains about China’s ability to match Western standards of technology and reliability.

By Sabena Siddiqui

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

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China

For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is not merely transactional — it is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, accelerates Vision 2030 ambitions and reduces its exposure to the unpredictability of US policy.

By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll

Syria FM visits China as Beijing presses Damascus on Uyghur fighters, TIP

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani pledged that his country would not allow foreign fighters to “exploit its territory to carry out activities” that would harm Chinese security.

Syria

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Sharaa-Trump meeting a mixed bag for China

The Syrian president's meeting with President Donald Trump underscored Damascus' formal shift toward Washington after decades of being allied with the Soviet Union and then Iran’s "Axis of Resistance" while the Assad dynasty was still in power.

By Joyce Karam

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional geopolitics, China in the Middle East

Egypt's foreign reserves exceed $50B mark for first time: What to know

The stronger reserve position signals that Egypt has largely emerged from its worst economic crunch in decades.

Egypt

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China getting ahead in the Gulf

China’s Vice President Han Zheng is visiting Saudi Arabia and Kuwait this week before traveling to Qatar to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development Nov. 3-5.

By Rosaleen Carroll

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

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Beijing, Damascus breaking the ice

For months, Beijing has kept Syria at arm’s length, but that may be changing. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani’s planned trip to China next month suggests a potential thaw.

By Rosaleen Carroll

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

China deepens textile investments in Egypt's Suez Canal Zone

The agreements will establish new textiles factories covering 238,000 square meters, which are expected to create more than 3,000 direct job opportunities.

Egypt

Analysis

Saudi Arabia diversifies with new China naval drills, but military remains Western-centric

Expanding Saudi-Chinese defense cooperation mirrors the broader deepening of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic and economic relations.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China's inroads in Saudi defense industry

Saudi Arabia and China kicked off their third bilateral naval drill this week, a move that demonstrates Beijing’s growing role not only as an economic partner, but as a defense one as well for Riyadh.

By Rosaleen Carroll

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

Singapore's DBS Group, Banque Saudi Fransi ink Asia-Gulf trade deal

Trade between Southeast Asia and the GCC reached about $130.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by another $50 billion by 2027, according to the Singaporean lender.

Saudi Arabia

Hong Kong exchange expands Gulf presence with new Dubai commodities arm

The emirate has positioned itself as a global commodities trading hub, with the UAE ranking second globally after the US in last year’s Commodity Trade Index.

United Arab Emirates