China
All countries-
The Afghanistan-Pakistan-China axis
India's Taliban problem
The Taliban’s victory over the United States in Afghanistan will not only greatly embolden their fellow jihadists, but also shake up the region’s geopolitics. An Afghanistan-Pakistan-China axis involving policy co-ordination would represent a major risk for India, writes Shashi Tharoor
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Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and Egypt
A new dawn for diplomacy in the Middle East?
International relations are shifting across the Middle East as regional powers adapt to America's retrenchment and China's growing influence. Although the region could become the site of another great-power competition, it also has a chance to pursue diplomatic openings and new security arrangements. By Fawaz A. Gerges
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Taliban takeover
Afghanistan crisis looms as West cuts aid lifelines
The world must take action now to prevent a deep and lasting humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. But what, if anything, can be done? The one billion dollars pledged by international donors is merely a short term fix, argues Rashmee Roshan Lall
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With the Taliban back in Kabul, regional powers watch and wait
The Taliban’s return to power raises questions not only about how the movement will use its newfound authority, but also about what Afghanistan’s neighbours will do in response.
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Raw materials attract China
Why Afghanistan should be filthy rich
To date, the Taliban have profited from the opium and heroin trade. Now the militant group effectively rules a country with valuable resources that China needs to grow its economy. Background by Nik Martin
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Indo-Pakistani relations
Detente over Kashmir following decades of conflict?
Over the years, the relationship between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has been shaped by conflict and confrontation. For some time now, however, both countries have been singing a more conciliatory tune. Is this the dawn of a lasting detente in South Asia? By Mohammad Luqman
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Middle East conflict
China fears instability in the Middle East
China has long portrayed itself as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause. It has also claimed that in sharp contrast to the stance of the USA, its position is based on values. At the same time, it has been building closer political, economic and military links with Israel for years. Mu Cui examines how important the Middle East is to China
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New books on the Middle East
The clouds of war or the dawn of a new beginning?
German Middle East analyst Guido Steinberg and television journalist Ulrich Tilgner have both published new books on the conflicts in the Middle East. Their analyses and their forecasts for the region could not be more different. By René Wildangel
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China in the Middle East
Beijing's new charm offensive
The last week in March saw China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit six countries in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Bahrain. Two initiatives in particular are sending the clearest signal yet that China may be gearing up to play a greater political role in the Middle East. By James M. Dorsey
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Iran-China 25-year Cooperation Programme
The Islamic Republic's timely vaccine against U.S. pressure?
On 27 March, Iran and China signed a 25-year accord intended to foster "strategic co-operation". Despite ongoing uncertainty over the deal's actual scope, content and chances of realisation, the agreement has been hailed by Iranian officials as nothing less than a game-changer when it comes to securing the interests of the Islamic Republic. By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni
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Turkey’s failing economy, COVID vaccines and the Uighur issue
Coronavirus less dangerous than Erdogan's politics
Turkey launched its nationwide vaccination campaign with a Chinese vaccine in January. But the public focus is more on the desolate economic situation. Turkish politicians have failed to create real awareness of the dangers posed by coronavirus, writes Marion Sendker in her report from Istanbul
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Pakistan and the Gulf
Arab allies jump ship over Pakistan's 'new Kashmir policy'
Lacking support from Arab countries for its stance on the Kashmir dispute, Pakistan is looking for new alliances under China's leadership. How practical is it for Islamabad to pursue its new foreign policy? By Haroon Janjua