The US has been examining China's expanding involvement in the Middle East from various perspectives, both within and beyond the region. A major topic of discussion has been the strained relationship between China and the US, which is having a significant impact on the strategic landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. To provide us with insight into how the US government perceives China's media interactions in the region, We are joined by Dr. Julian Gewirtz and Chris Backemeyer.‌ They will discuss certain topics such as the priorities of the US in the region as well as the opportunities and challenges for the cooperation of China and US in the MENA region. Takeaways The Priorities of United States in the MENA region US perspective on China becoming a major player on geopolitics The diplomatic effort of China in the MENA region Opportunities and Challenges for cooperation of China and US in the MENA region The impact of China-Iran relationship on the interest of US in the region Quotes The US is in favor of any action taken by China or other countries to lower tensions, decrease conflicts or prevent destabilizing actions in the region. - Chris President Biden sees this decade as critical and has a strategy for China: invest, align, and compete. - Julian The fundamental U.S. goal of our foreign policy is a free and open and prosperous and secure world. - Julian Featured in the Episode Jonathan Fulton Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fulton-2627414b https://twitter.com/jonathandfulton Julian Gewirtz Deputy China Coordinator, U.S. Department of State https://twitter.com/JulianGewirtz Chris Backemeyer Deputy Assistant Secretary for Assistance Coordination and Regional and Multilateral Affairs, US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs https://twitter.com/chrisbackemeyer Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:29 US priorities on MENA region 06:55 China as a global actor 14:03 US’s view on the China’s growing presence in the region 20:26 China’s role in the diplomatic outreach in the region 22:22 Challenges for cooperation between China and US 28:40 Assessing the impact of the bilateral of China and Iran 31:30 Cooperation for China, US, and Middle East on climate change challenges 36:34 Final takeaways from our guests Produced by Heartcast Media www.heartcastmedia.com