Welcome to the China-Mena podcast, where we explore China's foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa. In this episode, host Jonathan Fulton and guest Kerry Brown discuss the domestic drivers shaping China's international engagements. They unravel the complexities of China's internal landscape, including the middle class aspirations and the impact of Xi Jinping's leadership. They also analyze China's growing influence in the Middle East, shedding light on its diplomatic decision-making and potential implications for the region. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of China's foreign policy strategy and domestic underpinnings.

Takeaways

• China's Domestic Drivers of Foreign Policy in MENA
• China's Core Interests and Soft Power Projection in MENA
• China's Global Role and Soft Power Challenges
• China's Influence in the Middle East and Domestic Influences on Foreign Policy

Quotes

"It's strange how China tries to change public opinion while facing an image problem. People love their cuisine and kung fu, but the political system makes it challenging for them to win hearts."- Kerry Brown"

Understanding China is complex, but it's crucial to find a balanced perspective in Western discourse."- Kerry Brown

Featured in the Episode
Kerry Brown
Professor of Chinese Studies, and Director,Lau China Institute, King's College, London
Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kerrybrown
Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/kerry-brown

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
04:47 - Concerns about leadership future raised by Premier's performance
08:23 - China's passive stance in world affairs
11:20 - Impact of changes in US leadership on China's strategy
15:22 - Reshuffling of China's internal priorities during the Trump presidency
18:26 - Chinese middle class's interest in international relations
21:05 - Summary of Evan Osnos' article on Chinese concerns
25:31 - Intrigue within the party and navigating power dynamics
27:35 - China's core interests defined as stability with internal link
31:51 - China's focus on regional stability and development
36:36 - China's dominance reshaping the world with little commonality
39:45 - Comparison of envy towards South Korean culture and China
43:10 - China's crucial role in the Middle East
45:27 - Taiwan's Unresolved Status: A Ticking Time Bomb
46:21 - Conclusion