CHINA-MENA Atlantic Council

In this episode, China vs the IMEC Corridor in the Middle East, Dr. Jean-Loup Samaan from the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore joins to discuss minilateral initiatives' impacts in the region. Explore the ongoing significance of the International Maritime Exercise (IMEC), Israel's post-Gaza war role, and complexities of regional dynamics. Unpack France's strategic trilateral partnership with the UAE and India to navigate tensions with China. Join us for a deep dive into these shifts, evaluating their implications on alliances and power balance in the Middle East on China-Mena.


Takeaways:
International Maritime Exercise Initiative (IMEC) and Geopolitical ContextFrance's Strategic Involvement in IMECUncertainties Surrounding IMEC

Quotes

"The benefit of mini laterals is creating new discussion mechanisms among countries, crucial in regions like the Middle East lacking strong security frameworks."-Jean-Loup Samaan

“The introduction of new methods brings hope and progress in the absence of a strong security structure.."-Jean-Loup Samaan


Featured in the Episode

Dr. Jean-Loup Samaan
Linkedin: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/jean-loup-samaan-512a782
Website: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/jean-loup-samaan/

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
00:23 - Exploring Middle East Mini Laterals
05:41 - Analyzing the US-led I2U2 Initiative
06:58 - Middle Eastern Caution Towards a New Quad
11:28 - Research Challenges in a Changing Middle East
15:04 - Jordan's Vital Role in Regional Stability
18:37 - Unpacking China's Regional Influence
23:35 - Shifting Foreign Policies Amid US-China Competition
26:31 - Innovations in Security via Mini Laterals
30:08 - Insights on Middle Eastern Politics and China's Responses
35:28 - UAE and India: Infrastructural Investments and Rebranding
38:27 - Issues with IMEC Format and Financing Concerns
40:24 - Uncertainties Surrounding Israel's Role
43:12 - Outro

Join us on China-Mena as we delve into Xi Jinping's political philosophy and its effects on the Middle East and North Africa. Discover Xi's global vision, autocratic alliances, and conflicts with leaders like India's Modi. With expert insights from Steve Zhang, we'll unravel Xi Jinping Thought, explore the Belt and Road Initiative, and China's diplomatic strategies. Delve into power dynamics, internal party debates, and Xi Jinping's quest for superpower status, exploring its impact on the MENA region.

Takeaways:Xi Jinping's Vision versus Other Global South LeadersChina's Redefinition of International OrderThe Ideology of Xi Jinping ThoughtGlobal Diplomacy and Foreign Policy under Xi JinpingBelt and Road Initiative and Global South Relations
Quotes

"Let's aim to radiate beauty, not just for ourselves but for the Global South and the world. - Steve Tsang

"Embrace and uphold Xi's leadership and political thought, fostering unity and determination, even in discomfort." - Steve Tsang


Featured in the Episode

Steve Tsang
Director of the SOAS China Institute
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-tsang-3b937012/
Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/steve-tsang

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
04:17 - China's political evolution under Mao and beyond.
09:16 - Evolving Chinese economic system: state vs private.
12:19 - Xi Jinping requires widespread support for his ideology.
14:39 - Xi Jinping's vision: unity, control, national rejuvenation.
21:32 - Xi Jinping aims to reshape global power dynamics.
24:07 - China leading democratization of international order, global South.
29:58 - Overview of China's global engagement and state-centric approach.
34:03 - Global South: diverse, India-China tension, leadership struggle.
39:15 - Navigating Soft Power and Wolf Warrior Diplomacy Under Xi Jinping
44:58 - Steering China's Assertive Stance and Western Relations
49:10 - Outro

Join us as we dive deep into China's maritime dynamics with Isaac B. Kardon, a top expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Isaac's expertise in maritime disputes, global port development, and PLA activities sheds light on China's evolving role in shaping international waters.Discover Isaac's groundbreaking book on China's maritime strategies and delve into his research on China's impact beyond its shores. Uncover China's ambitions in global waters, from deep-sea mining to infrastructure development with dual implications.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on China's maritime might and its implications for the global order.

Takeaways:China's Maritime ExpansionGlobal Maritime StrategyMaritime Capabilities and International Maritime OrderNaval Presence in the Middle EastCommercial Ports and Industrial ParksGeopolitical ImplicationsQuotes

"The power differentials have become significantly important. It has made your ability to resort to international law as a regional actor less effective and more diluted." - Isaac B. Kardon

"China is heavily invested in transportation infrastructure due to its economic priorities as the world's largest trading nation."-Isaac B. Kardon

Featured in the Episode

Isaac B. Kardon
Senior Fellow For China Studies At The Carnegie Endowment For International Peace
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-b-kardon-7ba90416/
Website: https://www.isaacbkardon.com/

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

07:08 - Disrupting Norms: China's Impact on the International Maritime Order
11:17 - Probing Regional Responses to China's
13:26 - Delving into China's Emphasis on Sovereignty Concerns
18:42 - Shifting Tides: Increasing PLA Deployments and Global Dynamics
20:14 - Navigating Challenges: China's Maritime Interests and Complexities
24:58 - The Precarious Balance: China's Posture Changes and Potential Conflicts
28:05 - Strategic Stronghold: Djibouti's Significance in Chinese Diplomacy
30:25 - Bridging the Divide: Chinese Perspectives on Overseas Actions
34:56 - Anticipating Support: Political and Security Pathways for China
39:50 - Economic Priorities: Balancing Development and Security in China
44:05 - Strategic Insights: Evaluating Military Missions and Facilities
45:27 - Tactical Transactions: Chinese Military Utilization of Commercial Spaces
47:49 - Outro

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!

TakeawaysChinese View of Palestinian-Israeli ConflictTesting US Hegemony in the Middle EastOverlapping Interests with the United StatesMiddle Eastern Actors' Diversification of PartnershipsConcerns About Regional Stability and ConflictQuotes

"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

Welcome to the China-Mena podcast, where we explore China's foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa. In this episode, host Jonathan Fulton and guest Kerry Brown discuss the domestic drivers shaping China's international engagements. They unravel the complexities of China's internal landscape, including the middle class aspirations and the impact of Xi Jinping's leadership. They also analyze China's growing influence in the Middle East, shedding light on its diplomatic decision-making and potential implications for the region. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of China's foreign policy strategy and domestic underpinnings.

Takeaways
China's Domestic Drivers of Foreign Policy in MENAChina's Core Interests and Soft Power Projection in MENAChina's Global Role and Soft Power ChallengesChina's Influence in the Middle East and Domestic Influences on Foreign PolicyQuotes

"It's strange how China tries to change public opinion while facing an image problem. People love their cuisine and kung fu, but the political system makes it challenging for them to win hearts."- Kerry Brown"

Understanding China is complex, but it's crucial to find a balanced perspective in Western discourse."- Kerry Brown

Featured in the Episode
Kerry Brown
Professor of Chinese Studies, and Director,Lau China Institute, King's College, London
Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kerrybrown
Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/kerry-brown

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
04:47 - Concerns about leadership future raised by Premier's performance
08:23 - China's passive stance in world affairs
11:20 - Impact of changes in US leadership on China's strategy
15:22 - Reshuffling of China's internal priorities during the Trump presidency
18:26 - Chinese middle class's interest in international relations
21:05 - Summary of Evan Osnos' article on Chinese concerns
25:31 - Intrigue within the party and navigating power dynamics
27:35 - China's core interests defined as stability with internal link
31:51 - China's focus on regional stability and development
36:36 - China's dominance reshaping the world with little commonality
39:45 - Comparison of envy towards South Korean culture and China
43:10 - China's crucial role in the Middle East
45:27 - Taiwan's Unresolved Status: A Ticking Time Bomb
46:21 - Conclusion

Welcome to the China-MENA podcast. In this episode, host Jonathan Fulton discusses China's influence on the air domain in the Middle East and North Africa with guests Dr. Assaf Heller and Sarah-Masha Fainberg. They explore potential biases in analyzing China's strategy, its limited security role, concerns about its presence, and its strategic objectives in the region. Gain insights into the implications of China's expanding presence and its effects on military capabilities. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on this important topic.

Takeaways
Presence in the MENA RegionImplications on the Air Domain and Military CapabilitiesConcerns about Chinese Exports and Technology TransfersChinese Technology Transfers and Impact on the Air DomainUnderstanding China's Presence in the RegionQuotes

"The Chinese influence in the Middle East should not be overlooked. It encompasses both strategic and operational impact, and we must consider it seriously."- Dr. Assaf Heller

"China seeks to restore and preserve its position as a global power through a national rejuvenation journey." - Sarah-Masha Fainberg

Featured in the Episode

Dr. Assaf Heller​​
Colonel Reserves
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assaf-heller-242323137/

Sarah-Masha Fainberg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-masha-fainberg-phd-2602821a9/

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-2627414bhttps://twitter.com/jonathandfulton

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:53 - Sophisticated Weapon Systems: Development and Transfer by China
07:54 - Balancing China's Strategic Objectives: The Key Challenge
13:42 - Shifting Stance: China's Evolving Role in the Middle East
17:03 - Arab and Jewish Political Influence: Examining China's Perspective
20:59 - Seeking an Unbiased Operational Perspective: Hope of Analysts
22:34 - Potential Confrontation and Implications: Israel-China Dynamics
28:08 - Military-Civil Fusion Concerns: Exploring the Chinese MCF Concept
31:42 - Technology and Arms Exports: Concerns over China's Influence
35:47 - Beto Satellites and Dual Technology Purpose: China's Approach
36:49 - Cooperation Agreements: Lack of Specific and Quantifiable Details
42:41 - Impact on Regional Security: Discussing China's Technological Influence
44:55 - Forecasting Advanced Technology and Arms Transfers by China
47:23 - Seizing Opportunities: China's Role in the Middle East
52:10 - Conclusion