Amid the challenges posed by climate change and the pursuit of global carbon neutrality goals, the electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth. Chinese EV makers, boasting advanced technology and significant manufacturing capacity, are swiftly expanding their exports, with more than 1 million EVs exported in 2023, marking a 99.1 percent increase from 2022. … Read more
The discourse surrounding China’s influence in the Middle East all too often swings between binary narratives. Some overstate China’s regional clout, suggesting its expanding footprint is pushing the United States out of the Middle East. Others underestimate China, contending that despite its growing regional power, Beijing harbors insufficient leverage to affect any meaningful change. Between … Read more
In the grand theater of global geopolitics, a complex narrative is unfolding, weaving together the fates of the Middle East, the Taiwan Strait, and the burgeoning superpower rivalry between China and the United States. This intricate saga, underscored by China’s rising influence, Iran’s regional ambitions, and Taiwan’s precarious position, offers a profound glimpse into the … Read more
Since the Houthis began attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea last year, China’s response has followed its established pattern of apparent non-intervention. However, unlike other countries, Chinese ships seem to be enjoying greater freedom and security when passing through the area. This seems to be due to several factors, including China’s relationship with the … Read more
The recent security situation between Iran and Pakistan created consternation in a world already concerned with rising conflict in the region, but it also brought to fore the rising presence of China as a mediator. This was not the first time, given China’s role last year in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia … Read more
China, the world’s biggest exporter, says it is deeply concerned about tensions in the Red Sea that have upended global trade by forcing many shippers to avoid the Suez Canal. China has been in “close communication with all parties concerned and making positive efforts to de-escalate” the situation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at … Read more
As the world’s largest trading country, China relies heavily on seaborne trade, with 95 percent of international trade conducted through sea lanes. Securing access to strategic ports and investing by varied degrees and ownership in maritime infrastructure projects has allowed China to strengthen its control over supply chains and ensure the smooth flow of goods, … Read more
China’s relations with Palestine, which are intertwined with its overall Middle East policy, have deep historical roots. China officially recognized Palestine in 1988, but bilateral relations started in 1965. That year, the Palestine Liberation Organization opened a representative office in China, which was converted to embassy level in 1974. During these years, Palestinian leaders, especially Yasser … Read more
When an extremist burned a copy of the Quran outside a Stockholm mosque, it ignited strong reactions from the Islamic world. This act led to Morocco withdrawing its consul from Sweden and condemnation from countries like Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called for a meeting to discuss and condemn the … Read more
Children in Saudi Arabia are committed to learning Chinese. The Ministry of Education has instructed all public and private secondary schools to teach Mandarin for at least two lessons per week. Teaching may soon be expanded to encompass universities and primary schools. The language classes have been mandated by Saudi Arabia’s powerful de facto leader, … Read more