Why China Cares About the Middle East

About this episode

The episode discusses China's growing role and interests in the Middle East and North Africa, including its strategies and the regional response to its influence.

China's role in the Middle East and North Africa has grown in recent years as Beijing has expanded its engagement in energy, trade , infrastructure, and diplomacy across the region. At the same time, Middle Eastern and North African governments are assessing what deeper ties with China can offer and where Beijing's influence still falls short. What draws China to the Middle East and North Africa, what is its strategy there, and how are shifts in U.S. policy shaping Beijing's regional approach? Chuchu Zhang joined us on March 24, 2026 to discuss China's interests in the Middle East and North Africa and how governments in the region view China. Learn more about the speaker and watch the video here.

People in this episode

Guest: Chuchu Zhang

Topics covered

• China
• Middle East
• North Africa
• energy
• trade
• infrastructure
• diplomacy

Keywords

• China
• Middle East
• North Africa
• energy
• trade
• infrastructure
• diplomacy
• U.S. policy
• regional approach

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Committee on U.S.-China Relations

Places: China, Middle East, North Africa

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