China-Middle East Relations
Politics
A watershed in Hormuz: Can US hegemony hold?
The Strait of Hormuz crisis is testing US hegemony as Iran pressures energy flows and Gulf states hedge their bets. Amid rising tensions, China is reassessing its maritime role, weighing security exposure against new strategic and economic opportunities. Lianhe Zaobao’s China news editor Yang Danxu analyses the situation.
Yang Danxu
22 Apr 2026
Economy
Fear of long war hits China’s Gulf investors hard
China’s Gulf investment outlook is under pressure as expectations of a drawn-out Iran conflict grow, with analysts saying a narrow ceasefire window will determine whether risk appetite recovers or further deteriorates. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei reports.
Sim Tze Wei
20 Apr 2026
Politics
Who decides when the Iran war ends?
In the Iran war, the US, China and Russia each pursue their own objectives, while Iran and Israel follow separate agendas, creating a complex web of interests. No clear path to a ceasefire has emerged, and the conflict’s endgame remains uncertain. Academic Hao Nan examines the possible scenarios.
Hao Nan
27 Mar 2026
Politics
[Video] What the Iran war means for China
US‑Israel strikes on Iran could reverberate far beyond the Middle East, impacting China’s economy, energy security, regional influence and its ties with the US. While China maintains a cautious diplomatic approach, the unfolding Iran war could also create opportunities for it to gain leverage in its strategic rivalry with the US. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina and Lu Lingming speak with three experts to explore what the Iran war means for China.
Yi Jina, Lu Lingming
12 Mar 2026
Politics
Why China stays measured on US-Israel strikes against Iran
The US and Israel have launched a military strike on Iran that has killed its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to mixed reactions globally. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at the effects of the offensive, not least on China.
Yu Zeyuan
02 Mar 2026
Economy
Chinese firms bullish on the Gulf despite geopolitical storms
Chinese firms are expanding in the Gulf despite regional rivalries and tensions. Profitable projects, resilient logistics and growing demand make the Middle East a long-term growth frontier rather than a risk to avoid. Middle East Institute-NUS research fellow Jing Lin shares her insights.
Jing Lin
24 Feb 2026
Politics
China’s illusion of influence in the Middle East
Talk of China eclipsing America in the Middle East is fading fast. The Gaza war and renewed US pressure on Iran are restoring Washington’s primacy — exposing how thin Beijing’s influence is, unless it turns trade into tangible partnerships, argues Chinese academic Fan Hongda.
Fan Hongda
20 Feb 2026
Politics
China just shifted gears in the Middle East
As war, rivalry and realignment grip the Middle East, China is abandoning its patient, low-risk approach. Beijing is accelerating diplomacy, security engagement and economic planning — raising both its influence and its exposure. Academic Alessandro Arduino explores the situation.
Alessandro Arduino
19 Dec 2025
Politics
America’s new partner in Damascus — and China’s strategic setback
The restoration of US–Syria relations proves to be an obstacle for China’s influence in the eastern Mediterranean, as the new Syrian government is less receptive to China. Academic Ma Haiyun says that for China, the loss of Assad and the unresolved Uighur presence in Syria reveal the limits of its Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Ma Haiyun
14 Nov 2025
Society
From screen to sand: Why Chinese tourists are flocking to the Middle East
Once an exotic and faraway destination for Chinese travellers, the Middle East has become China’s new travel fascination. Driven by the combination of popular reality shows and formal tourism expos, curiosity turns into connectivity, pointing to a new phase of China-Middle East engagement, notes Middle East Institute-NUS research fellow Jing Lin.
Jing Lin
03 Nov 2025
Economy
Speaking their language: How Chinese merchants are winning the Middle East
As China gets closer to the Middle East, trade relations are also growing, with market merchants in Beijing and Yiwu learning Arabic to open doors with buyers from the Middle East. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan finds out more.
Meng Dandan
30 Sep 2025