Orient I 2025 – Strategic Engagement: China’s Role and Impact in the MENA Region

Dear ORIENT readers,

China’s strategic engagement in the MENA region has become a defining feature of international relations in the 21st century. As China continues to expand its presence and strengthens its energy, diplomatic, and military ties, the impact on regional dynamics and stability grows increasingly significant. In this issue, we delve into the multifaceted roles China plays, exploring its influence across various dimensions, from economic partnerships to geopolitical balancing acts.

This edition brings together insightful perspectives from leading experts on China’s evolving role in MENA. Yun Sun approaches the topic by forecasting China’s strategy in the Middle East over the next four years. Kenan Dagci examines China’s diplomatic hedging strategy, offering an analysis of how China navigates relations between rival powers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. Jeremy Garlick contrasts the Chinese approach with that of the United States, highlighting the differences in strategies between the two global powers. Tuncay Kardas and Yao Chen take a deeper dive into the balancing strategy employed by China, particularly in the context of the Saudi-Iranian rivalry, showing how China maintains good relations with both while fostering regional cooperation. Concluding this issue, Geoffrey F. Gresh examines the role of the MENA region in China’s Maritime Silk Road Strategy.

Each contribution in this issue helps paint a picture of China’s intricate and strategic engagement in the MENA region, shedding light on its growing influence and the potential consequences for regional and international diplomacy and stability. I hope that this edition provides you with new and interesting perspectives on this increasingly important topic.

Dr. Andreas Reinicke
Director of the German Orient-Institute