Dec 03, 2024

The unity of the Gulf states, their diversified partnerships and their degree of assertiveness — along with China’s deepened relationships in the region — may constrain U.S. dominance. Even so, China must devise policies to navigate the unexpected strategic challenges it might encounter.

Nov 22, 2024

A change in America’s political leadership will bring challenges, but China is not as vulnerable as some say. Aggressive U.S. policies could push China to diversify its investments and explore new markets, while projecting itself as a stable and predictable power.

Nov 08, 2024

Improved bilateral relations will empower the organization, strengthen South-South cooperation and promote multipolarity in international relations. It will also enhance the status of BRICS as a platform to address sensitive issues through diplomacy.

Oct 18, 2024

The trajectory of cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges over the past year points to a promising future. Deeper understanding supports their ever-expanding, multifaceted relationship.

Sep 21, 2024

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are undergoing transformations in which China can play an important role. Premier Li Qiang’s visit reinforced them by focusing on trade, business, investment and diplomacy. This reflects China’s broader policy prioritizing economic cooperation over geopolitical entanglement.

Aug 16, 2024

The emerging defense pact with the United States, will be a decisive moment for Saudi Arabia and for broader Middle Eastern politics. Until it is ratified, the kingdom will likely strive to maintain defense partnerships with both the U.S. and China.

Jul 03, 2024

Although China’s relations with the Arab Gulf States are expanding and grabbing international headlines, they face a major obstacle. China shuns military alliances, whereas the Arab Gulf States have heavily relied on external security guarantees since their independence. This significant gap in the national strategies of the two sides will prevent the relationship from advancing into higher geopolitical realms, limiting cooperation to secondary areas in an era of shifting power centers. Amidst various ongoing shifts, security matters continue to shape regional geopolitics.

May 08, 2024

The US-China rivalry is the most dominant aspect of 21st-century geopolitics, significantly impacting the world. It has expanded across various fields and geographies. The Gulf region, which was mainly absorbing the geopolitical heat of this rivalry, has also witnessed it in the technological sphere, especially artificial intelligence (AI). Two larger projects, G42 in the UAE and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, are particularly notable.