Amid China’s top diplomat Wang Yi’s stern warnings against “de-sinicisation in the name of de-risking” at the recent Munich Security Conference, academic Alessandro Arduino asks: is China prepared to alter its international relations playbook?
Politics
With the latest 4 January bombing in Iran by the Islamic State, likely by the ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province) branch of the grouping, China is facing a renewed threat of one of its greatest fears: terrorism connecting the Middle East and Central Asia.
Politics
Reflecting on the rise of the Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea beyond targets “linked to the Zionist entity”, academic Alessandro Arduino points out that in light of current US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific, compounded by the polarisation of the Gaza conflict, prospects for successful multinational cooperation in addressing the ongoing maritime crisis seem bleak.
Politics
While there are some expectations that the US and China may agree to work more closely on preventing the Gaza conflict from escalating into a wider regional war, their starting points when they meet in San Francisco may be too far apart. Academic Alex Arduino examines the issue.
Politics
China has drawn international flak for not expressing a stronger stance on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, when just a few months ago, it was lauded for helping to ease tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. While it is a key player in the region, China could easily fall back into its “balanced vagueness” foreign policy approach, says academic Alessandro Arduino.
Politics
The recent 15th BRICS summit held in South Africa heralded an expanded organisation with new African members. While China seeks to increase its presence and influence on the African continent, it also faces the difficult task of juggling security and development, particularly given that Russia is likewise adamant about safeguarding and expanding its own interests in the area.
Politics
The world's map of global governance and security architecture is shifting, and BRICS is heeding the call for change, says academic Alessandro Arduino. Countries like Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who have just been invited to join BRICS, seek to diversify their strategic options. This is in line with China's outreach to the global south and Russia’s need to combat international isolation, but the other BRICS members may have some hesitation.
Politics
The recent Niger coup and conflicts from Mali to Burkina Faso, Chad and Sudan have cast uncertainty on the future of Chinese economic diplomacy in the Sahel and other parts of Africa. Academic Alessandro Arduino explains.
Politics
When Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan headed to the Gulf last week seeking investments, he had a formidable bargaining chip — drone diplomacy. The top-of-the-line Turkish combat UAV, the Akinci, is much sought-after in Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia. China may be worried, as this development could threaten its leading position in the field and hinder its economic and diplomatic offensive in the Middle East.