Chinese Multilateralism in MENA

China has been establishing itself as an economic player in the MENA region, not engaging in any complicated political issues. However, in recent years, China has been increasingly involved in political affairs. They have been engaging with the Arab states as well as the North African Countries.

In this podcast, Jonathan invited Dr. Dawn Murphy, an Associate Professor of International Security Studies at the US Air War College. She specializes in Chinese foreign policy and domestic politics, US-China relations, and international relations. She wrote the book titled "China's Rise in the Global South, the Middle East. Africa. And Beijings' Alternative World Order".

In the episode, They go through a quick summary of her novel and what it's about. They also discussed the forums with which China is affiliated, as well as the goals and objectives of those forums. They also talk about China's connections with non-Arab nations including Turkey, Iran, and Israel. They also covered China's two envoys, the Middle East envoys, and Africa's envoys. They talk about the overviews and the importance of these envoys in China's relations with the region. Finally, they address how the US should think about China's growing influence in the area and how they should interact with China as a competitor.

Key Takeaways

An overview of the Book "China's Rise in the Global South"
Elaborating the 2 Cooperation Forums where China is associated with: China-Africa and the China Arab States
China's Relationship with Non-Arab Countries such as Iran, Israel, and Turkey.
Mutual Political Support and Interests between China and the Arab World
The Upcoming Forums of China with Middle East Nations
New Forms of the BRI: Digital Silk Road and Health Silk Road
The Two China's Envoy: Middle East Issues envoy and the Africa Issue envoy
How should the US interact with the Increasing Influence of China in the region

Quotes

China is not attempting to change the distribution of territory in the Middle East or Africa, as its power grows, it is increasingly competing with the US. - Dawn

China's relationship with Israel is a special case. I see no evidence that China is striving to draw them into any sort of cooperative forum. Part of this stems from its long-standing support for Palestinians and desire to be recognized as a balanced player in the region. -Dawn

China has a very strong relationship with Israel, as well as the Arab states, as well as Iran and, you know, other players in the region more broadly. And it very much portrays itself as a balanced actor in relation to these issues. - Dawn

Special Terms Mentioned in the Episode

CASCF - The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum
FOCAC - Forum on China–Africa Cooperation
PRC - People's Republic of China
SCO - Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Global South - refers broadly to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
JCPOA - The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
BRI - Belt and Road Initiative

Book Mentioned in the Episode

China's Rise in the Global South, the Middle East. Africa. And Beijings' Alternative World Order
Links:
https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=33516
https://www.amazon.com/Chinas-Rise-Global-South-Alternative/dp/1503630099
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781503630604/html?lang=en

Featured in this Episode

Jonathan Fulton
Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant Professor of Political Science at Zayed University i