Unpacking Influence: China's Impact on US Strategy in the Middle East

In this episode of China-MENA, titled "China's Challenging Role in US Policy in MENA," join our host Jonathan Fulton featuring Dana Stroul, director of research and senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, as they explore China's evolving role and its impact on US policy in the Middle East and North Africa. This episode delves into global partnerships like the US-UAE-G42-Microsoft collaboration, the strategic significance of 5G technology and cloud computing, and the economic factors supporting Iran. Dana also discusses the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and recent geopolitical events.


Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of US and allied strategies in the region.


Takeaways

• US vs. China in Regional Influence
• Importance of International Order
• US Strategic Partnerships
• China’s Regional Impact

Quotes

"China, as the sole competitor shaping the global order, inspires us to uphold equity, cooperation, and shared prosperity." - Dana Stroul

“The importance of the Rules-Based International Order lies in preventing unilateral changes or use of force to alter recognized boundaries" - Dana Stroul


Featured in the Episode

Dana Stroul
Research Director, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Guest LinkedIn: Dana Stroul | LinkedIn

Jonathan Fulton
Nonresident Senior Fellow for Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council. Assistant 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
03:51 - Navigating Biden's China Challenge in the Middle East
08:46 - Safeguarding Strategic Partnerships Amidst China's Rise
11:41 - Exploring China's Economic Development
15:00 - Contrasting US and China Infrastructure Support
20:19 - Assessing China's Trade Influence
22:23 - Impact of the International Order on Gulf Economies
24:30 - Insights from the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum
29:18 - China's Prioritization of its Immediate Periphery
34:04 - Cooperation and Countering Iran's Influence
38:19 - Iran's Behavior Changes and China's Role39:51 - Evading Sanctions: Iran, Russia, and China
42:22 - Outro