Welcome back to the China-Mena podcast! In today's episode, titled "Middle East Instability: A Chinese Perspective," our host Jonathan Fulton and guest Chuchu Zhang explore China's evolving role in the region. They discuss recent events, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and China's growing presence, and how these shape China's approach to the Middle East. Gain valuable insights into the complex geopolitical landscape and global power dynamics. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion! TakeawaysChinese View of Palestinian-Israeli ConflictTesting US Hegemony in the Middle EastOverlapping Interests with the United StatesMiddle Eastern Actors' Diversification of PartnershipsConcerns About Regional Stability and ConflictQuotes "The reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran reminds us that sectarian confrontation in the region is not inevitable, transcending the need to highlight China's greatness." - Chuchu Zhang "There are common interests promoting peace, but it's not a comprehensive solution to all problems. Yet, there is another perspective on promoting peace through development." - Chuchu Zhang Featured in the Episode Chuchu Zhang Associate Professor of International Relations in the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University Jonathan Fulton Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Associate Professor of Political Science at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fulton-2627414b https://twitter.com/jonathandfulton Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:26 - Analyzing China's Role in the Middle East - Insights from an Expert 04:28 - China's Collaboration in Belt and Road Development 08:38 - Exploring China's Growing Involvement in Middle Eastern Affairs 12:44 - Spotlight on Current Middle East-China Relations 16:01 - The Rising Importance of the Middle East 18:42 - Examining US-Israel Goals, China's Concerns, and Global Impact 20:46 - Chinese Leaders' Perspectives on a US-Centered Middle East 24:07 - Unpacking China's Presence in the Middle East and Its Implications 27:44 - Proxy Warfare, Non-State Actors, and China's Dilemma Summarized 30:57 - Major Powers' Engagement with Armed Groups 35:26 - China's Preference for Bilateral Relations in the Middle East 39:58 - Debating the Interpretation of China's Regional Cooperation Proposal 41:19 - Seeking Flexibility: China's and Middle East's Mutual Goal 44:25 - Outro