East Asia

By Leena Adel, Curtin University and Ben Rich, Curtin University | – Last month, China brokered a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, a landmark deal that restored full diplomatic ties between the two bitter rivals. There was hope the detente could also bring an end to one of the world’s longest-running – and virtually […]

China

The Era of Great Power Victory in Wars ended in 1945 and a Wise Power would Avoid them

Tom Engelhardt

( Tomdispatch.com) – I was born on July 20, 1944, amid a vast global conflict already known as World War II. Though it ended with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 before I could say much more than “Mama” or “Dada,” in some strange fashion, I grew up at war. Living […]

China

Why the world should take Notice as Saudi Arabia joins Chinese Alliance – and how this relates to Taiwan

The Conversation

By Andrew MacLeod, King’s College London | – (The Conversation) – Saudi Arabia’s cabinet recently approved the decision to join the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This could be a signal that Riyadh, with all its energy reserves, is choosing sides in the Ukraine war. Saudi Arabia, in part stung by US president Joe Biden’s […]

China

As Longterm Partnership with US Fades, Saudi Arabia deals with China, Iran and Russia, too

The Conversation

By Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Rice University | – (The Conversation) – The fact that Saudi Arabia entered a rapprochement deal with Iran and chose China to broker it came as a surprise to many international observers. The agreement, officially called the Joint Trilateral Statement, was signed in Beijing on March 11 and begins the process […]

China

Juan Cole: The Meaning of Historic China-Brokered Deal Between Saudi Arabia and Iran (Robert Scheer Interview)

Juan Cole

Transcript of Interview from Scheerpost , where you can also find the audio if you want to listen to the interview. Host: Robert Scheer | Producer: Joshua Scheer | – Transcript Robert Scheer: Hi, this is Robert Scheer with another edition of Scheer Intelligence, where the intelligence comes from my guests and someone I’ve had […]

China

Under Pressure At Home And Abroad, Tehran Gets ‘Breathing Space’ From Iran-Saudi Deal

Golnaz Esfandiari

( RFE/RL) – I’m RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari. Here’s what I’ve been following during the past week and what I’m watching for in the days ahead. Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations, seven years after the regional foes cut formal ties. In a statement issued on March 10, Tehran and Riyadh […]

China

China is Front and Center in Saudi-Iran Agreement, as Israel’s Plan for United Front against Tehran Collapses

Middle East Monitor

By Mohammad Makram Balawi ( Middle East Monitor ) – The agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Iran under Chinese auspices on 6 March aroused much interest in the Arab world, the Middle East and the world in general. It came after a diplomatic break between the two countries in 2016, with a […]

China

Turkey’s China Partnership: Is Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative not Delivering Enough?

Global Voices

BRI is not just about trains: telecommunications and energy are key Written byEmre Demir Screenshot from CGTN YouTube channel showing high-speed railway connections built with Chinese investment in Turkey ( Globalvoices.org) – Turkey has strong economic relations with China and is one of the very early partners of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). […]

China

Saudi-Iran deal won’t bring Peace to the Middle East but will enhance China’s role as Power Broker

The Conversation

By Simon Mabon, Lancaster University | – (The Conversation) – After more than four decades as seemingly implacable enemies on either side of a deep political-religious divide in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies. The deal, which was signed in Beijing, comes seven years after […]