China's objective in recent years has been to establish a firm foothold in the Gulf region, as the country is highly reliant on Middle Eastern oil to fuel its economic growth. The Belt and Road Initiative, their new approach, is paving the road for them to attain their goal. Similarly, China has a different strategy, relying on soft power to develop favorable influence throughout the region. China wishes to deepen economic links with the Middle East, and soft power relationships can result in significant bilateral exchanges for both parties. In this episode, We are joined by Shaojin Chai, a professor of international relations at the University of Sharjah. He spent a lot of time thinking and writing about China's cultural, educational, and religious outreach to the Middle East. His specialization is International Studies, Modern Chinese History and Political Science. 📌Key Takeaways 🌟China’s Soft Power in the Global Stage 🌟Developing China’s Soft Power in the Middle East 🌟Culture Familiarity between China and the Middle East 🌟The Outcome of People to People Connections of China in the Middle East 🌟Opportunities of Arabs on studying in Mainland China during Pre-COVID 🌟China’s Image to the people of Middle East 🌟China’s Soft Power against some Major Countries in Asia 🌟China’s development of Soft Power within and beyond borders 🌟Future Trends in development the China-Middle East relationship 📌Quote Takeaways “Arab students who studied in China and works in China or in a Chinese companies tends to have positive views for China during the eruption of the COVID pandemic” -Shaojin 📌Speakers of this Episode 🎙️Jonathan Fulton | Profile | Linkedin | Twitter nonresident senior fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi 🎙️Shaojin Chai | Profile | Linkedin Assistant Professor, Specialization: International Studies Modern Chinese History and Politics Political Science 📌Time Stamp ⏲️[00:00] Introduction ⏲️[02:21] China’s Soft Power in the Global Stage ⏲️[06:29] Developing China’s Soft Power in the Middle East ⏲️[13:01] Familiarity of Cultures between China and the Middle East ⏲️[17:33] The Outcome of People to People Bonds of China in the Middle East ⏲️[23:09] Opportunities of Arabs in studying in China during the Pre-COVID ⏲️[27:54] People to people connections during the Pandemic ⏲️[31:47] China’s positive image across Middle East ⏲️[36:21] China’s Soft Power versus other Asian Countries ⏲️[42:41] China’s Cultural products beyond borders ⏲️[44:57] Future Trends in driving the China-Middle East relationship This podcast was produced by Heartcast Media.