(This event is organised by MEI Political Economy research cluster.)

Between Xi Jinping’s December 2022 visit to Riyadh and the August 2023 expansion of BRICS to include several Middle Eastern countries, China’s power and influence in the MENA region appeared to gain significant momentum. Regional expectations of China as a major external actor also grew, with many countries deepening their bilateral cooperation with Beijing across economic, technological, diplomatic, and increasingly strategic sectors. However, China’s responses to the Gaza war and the Red Sea crisis have revealed a disconnect between the desires of the Middle East and what China is willing to provide. This presentation will delve into the regional perceptions of China’s expanding presence in the Middle East. Drawing on fieldwork conducted across the Middle East since mid-2022, Dr. Fulton will explore how China is perceived as a partner by individuals in the region.

This public talk will be conducted both in-person and online via Zoom on Friday, 5 April 2024, from 3 pm to 4.30 pm SGT. All are welcome to participate. This event is free, however, registration is compulsory. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom details closer to the date of the event.

Photo caption: (FILES) In this file photo, Saudi Arabia’s then-deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on August 31, 2016. – When Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Saudi Arabia from December 7, 2022, the oil-rich kingdom will seek mostly economic gains rather than a meaningful shift away from its long-time protector the United States, analysts say. Xi will arrive for a three-day visit including meetings with Saudi royals, the regional Gulf Cooperation Council and other Middle East leaders, Saudi state media said. (Photo by Rolex DELA PENA / POOL / AFP)