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!

Takeaways

• Chinese View of Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
• Testing US Hegemony in the Middle East
• Overlapping Interests with the United States
• Middle Eastern Actors' Diversification of Partnerships
• Concerns About Regional Stability and Conflict

Quotes

"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