Domestic Drivers of China's Foreign Policy in MENA

In this episode of the China Minute Podcast, host Jonathan Fulton interviews Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese studies at King's College London and former First Secretary at the British Embassy in Beijing, to discuss the domestic political and economic pressures influencing China's foreign policy decisions. They address the increasing difficulty in accessing reliable information from China, signs of instability within the Chinese leadership, and significant economic challenges such as youth unemployment and housing market issues. The conversation explores how these internal pressures, combined with the uncertainty of US foreign policy, impact China's foreign policy agenda, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and its reluctance to take a more assertive global role. They also discuss China's soft power limitations, cultural challenges, and the disconnect between its economic influence and its ability to project a compelling global vision.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and Domestic Pressures

Part 2: Core Interests and Foreign Policy

Part 3: Cooperation and Future Outlook

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Continue

CHINA-MENA

Part 1: Introduction and Domestic Pressures

Introduction to China's Domestic Pressures and Foreign Policy Challenges

Economic Concerns and Their Impact on China's Foreign Policy Agenda

China's Response to Global Uncertainty and Domestic Priorities

The CCP's Responsiveness to Public Opinion and Potential Economic Challenges

Elite Level Dynamics and the Absence of Visible Opposition to Xi Jinping

Part 2: Core Interests and Foreign Policy

Core Interests and China's Approach to Foreign Policy

China's Limited Security Solutions and Cultural Challenges in the Middle East

China's Soft Power Deficiencies and the Need for Balanced Perspectives

Part 3: Cooperation and Future Outlook

The Potential for Cooperation and Upcoming Publications

Domestic Drivers of China's Foreign Policy in MENA

CHINA-MENA

Part 1: Introduction and Domestic Pressures

00:08Introduction to China's Domestic Pressures and Foreign Policy Challenges

Introduction to China's Domestic Pressures and Foreign Policy Challenges

05:44Economic Concerns and Their Impact on China's Foreign Policy Agenda

Economic Concerns and Their Impact on China's Foreign Policy Agenda

11:20China's Response to Global Uncertainty and Domestic Priorities

China's Response to Global Uncertainty and Domestic Priorities

16:21The CCP's Responsiveness to Public Opinion and Potential Economic Challenges

The CCP's Responsiveness to Public Opinion and Potential Economic Challenges

21:06Elite Level Dynamics and the Absence of Visible Opposition to Xi Jinping

Elite Level Dynamics and the Absence of Visible Opposition to Xi Jinping

Part 2: Core Interests and Foreign Policy

25:31Core Interests and China's Approach to Foreign Policy

Core Interests and China's Approach to Foreign Policy

31:14China's Limited Security Solutions and Cultural Challenges in the Middle East

China's Limited Security Solutions and Cultural Challenges in the Middle East

37:21China's Soft Power Deficiencies and the Need for Balanced Perspectives

China's Soft Power Deficiencies and the Need for Balanced Perspectives

Part 3: Cooperation and Future Outlook

43:02The Potential for Cooperation and Upcoming Publications

The Potential for Cooperation and Upcoming Publications