China has been establishing itself as an economic player in the MENA region, not engaging in any complicated political issues. However, in recent years, China has been increasingly involved in political affairs. They have been engaging with the Arab states as well as the North African Countries. In this podcast, Jonathan invited Dr. Dawn Murphy, an Associate Professor of International Security Studies at the US Air War College. She specializes in Chinese foreign policy and domestic...

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...

Chinese migration to the Middle East is one of the most important aspects of China's presence in the area. Increased migration in recent decades has aided in the development of China-Gulf ties, with the UAE being one of the nations with a significant Chinese population. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Yuting Wang, a professor of sociology at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates,. She's lived in the UAE for over a decade and has a fantastic book titled Chinese...

China has been extending its footprint in the Middle East through the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) during the last decade, affecting the region's economy, politics, and even security. Despite the fact that China imports oil from Saudi Arabia, Iran has gained China's attention due to its strategic relevance for the Belt and Road Initiative. In This podcast, We are joined by Professor Anoush Ehteshami, A professor in Durham University, who is an expert on the China-Iran Relationship, and...

Welcome to the China-MENA Podcast. This show is produced by Atlantic Council thanks to generous support from the US State Department. The China-MENA Podcast is a monthly program that goes beyond the headlines to provide a deeper look at engagement between China and countries in the Middle East – North Africa and give our listeners a better understanding of an important emerging geopolitical shift.