The US has been examining China's expanding involvement in the Middle East from various perspectives, both within and beyond the region. A major topic of discussion has been the strained relationship between China and the US, which is having a significant impact on the strategic landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. To provide us with insight into how the US government perceives China's media interactions in the region, We are joined by Dr. Julian Gewirtz and Chris Backemeyer.‌ They will discuss certain topics such as the priorities of the US in the region as well as the opportunities and challenges for the cooperation of China and US in the MENA region.

Takeaways

The Priorities of United States in the MENA region

US perspective on China becoming a major player on geopolitics

The diplomatic effort of China in the MENA region

Opportunities and Challenges for cooperation of China and US in the MENA region

The impact of China-Iran relationship on the interest of US in the region

Quotes

The US is in favor of any action taken by China or other countries to lower tensions, decrease conflicts or prevent destabilizing actions in the region. - Chris

President Biden sees this decade as critical and has a strategy for China: invest, align, and compete. - Julian

The fundamental U.S. goal of our foreign policy is a free and open and prosperous and secure world. - Julian

Featured in the Episode

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

Julian Gewirtz
Deputy China Coordinator, U.S. Department of State
https://twitter.com/JulianGewirtz

Chris Backemeyer
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Assistance Coordination and Regional and Multilateral Affairs, US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
https://twitter.com/chrisbackemeyer

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:29 US priorities on MENA region
06:55 China as a global actor
14:03 US’s view on the China’s growing presence in the region
20:26 China’s role in the diplomatic outreach in the region
22:22 Challenges for cooperation between China and US
28:40 Assessing the impact of the bilateral of China and Iran
31:30 Cooperation for China, US, and Middle East on climate change challenges
36:34 Final takeaways from our guests

Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com

US Perceptions of China’s Middle East Presence

CHINA-MENA