25 August 2025
This edition of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor surveys diplomatic activity between China and countries of the Mideast from 14 to 25 August 2025.
Drawing cues primarily from Chinese-language releases issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and regional Chinese embassies, as well as releases from regional news agencies, we supplement with context from other official, semi-official, and journalistic sources.
We have also conducted background research in regional languages to verify the identities of non-Chinese interlocutors whose names are rendered only partially or with inexact phonetic approximation in Chinese-language releases.
Table of Contents
- Review of Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Mideast; expectations for upcoming SCO Summit; MFA perspective on Mideast conflicts
II. Country-specific developments
This edition of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor has been prepared by Raphael Angieri and Omnia Musa.
I. Regional developments
In a 14 August interview with Egypt’s Middle East News Agency (MENA), Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang (廖力强) reflected on Premier Li Qiang’s recent trip to the region, recapped SCO achievements in advance of the upcoming summit, and outlined China’s position on developments in Gaza, Syria, and the Iran-Israel conflict.
Liao characterized Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent meetings in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit as having deepened political trust and generated “substantive outcomes,” including new agreements in e-commerce, green development, health, and finance. He emphasized Egypt’s continued role as a key BRI partner and noted that Chinese investment in Egypt had reached USD 9 billion by end-2024, with over 2,000 Chinese enterprises operating across sectors such as new materials, clean energy, and automobile manufacturing.
Upcoming SCO Summit
Turning to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Liao highlighted China’s current annual chairmanship and the upcoming summit in Tianjin (31 August to 1 September), which he said would be the largest since the SCO’s founding in 2001, gathering leaders from over 20 countries and the heads of 10 international organizations. Liao presented SCO achievements to date in three areas:
“First, maintaining security and stability while promoting development and exchange. Through a range of security cooperation agreements, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and joint operations, SCO member states have built a stable regional environment that has also fostered social development and multi-sectoral exchange. In 2024 alone, more than 40,000 individuals received training through programs in agriculture, poverty reduction, and vocational skills, helping reduce the average poverty rate across member states by 18% over the past decade. Exchanges among local governments, youth, women, think tanks, and media across member states have grown increasingly frequent, bringing peoples closer together.
“Second, deepening practical cooperation and contributing to the revitalization of the Global South. In 2024, trade between China and other SCO member states surged to USD 512.54 billion, 42 times the volume at the time of the organization’s founding. Total foreign trade among all SCO member states exceeded USD 8 trillion, accounting for one-quarter of global trade. From zero to tens of thousands of kilometers of rail and road, from oil and gas pipelines to green power stations, and from a digital ecosystem enabling global e-commerce, the SCO has, in just 24 years, turned the “Shanghai Spirit” into measurable GDP gains across the Global South, reinforcing its development momentum.
“Third, defending multilateralism and improving global governance. The SCO has advanced a new vision of security that is shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable, and has pioneered several institutional innovations and best practices in areas such as counterterrorism, drug control, information security, and finance, contributing what is now referred to as the “SCO approach” to global governance. In international affairs, the SCO consistently advocates respect for countries’ core interests and development paths of their own choosing, firmly opposing hegemonism, coercion, and bullying. Amid mounting global governance deficits and geopolitical instability, SCO member states continue to speak with one voice in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, working toward a more just and equitable global governance system.”
Affirmation of Beijing’s stance on Mideast conflicts
In response to a question regarding regional conflicts, Liao reiterated China’s position that the Palestine issue lies at the heart of Middle East conflicts, which must be resolved through political dialogue, not military means. He referenced President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal for the current crisis, calling for an immediate ceasefire, prioritization of civilian protection, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and strengthened international coordination as a rational and broadly supported de-escalation framework.
Liao outlined China’s active role as a strategic partner to countries across the region, describing Beijing as a builder of peace, a promoter of stability, and a contributor to development. He highlighted China’s diplomatic efforts, including the successful mediation of Saudi-Iranian reconciliation and intra-Palestinian dialogue culminating in the Beijing Declaration. These, along with initiatives such as the five-point proposal on regional security and the three-point plan for reviving the two-state solution, reflect China’s sustained engagement. He also noted China’s material contributions, including multiple rounds of humanitarian aid to Palestine and the deployment of Chinese peacekeepers engaged in demining and emergency response.
On Gaza, Liao reaffirmed China’s position that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory; that any attempt to alter its population or territorial status must be firmly opposed; that reliance on military force is misguided; and that attacks on civilians and aid workers, as well as the weaponization of humanitarian supplies, are unacceptable. He emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian question.
Regarding the recent Iran-Israel conflict, Liao called for a return to dialogue on an equal footing and urged renewed efforts to bring the Iranian nuclear issue back to the track of political resolution, while on Syria, Liao stressed the need to advance political transition, combat terrorism, and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
II. Country-specific developments
1. Perso-Arab Gulf
IRAN
Chinese MFA’s Director of Asian Affairs meets with Iranian ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli
On August 15, Liu Jinsong (刘劲松), Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry, met with Iran’s recently appointed Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli (عبدالرضا رحمانی فضلی), for what the Chinese readout described as a “friendly and in-depth exchange of views” on regional issues of mutual concern.
China signals opposition to snapback sanctions on Iran
On the same day, responding to a question from Agence France-Presse, Chinese MFA Spokesperson Lin Jian (林剑) stated that China opposes the intent by European countries to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran using the so-called “snapback” mechanism, and “stays committed to peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means.”
This comment came as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom signaled that they plan to activate the snapback mechanism by the end of August if Iran fails to show progress toward a nuclear deal with the United States.
Under UNSC Resolution 2231, the snapback mechanism allows any parties to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to reinstate previously lifted UN sanctions if Iran is deemed out of compliance. Notably, this reinstatement of sanctions could be triggered without a new Security Council vote—meaning that UNSC member states including China and Russia would have no room to veto the move. The renewed pressure on Iran by European JCPOA signatories follows concern over Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium amidst its suspension of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to nuclear sites after the June conflict with Israel.
Reinstated UN sanctions would revive restrictions on sectors central to China-Iran trade, even as the Trump administration has already gotten to work imposing new sanctions on entities involved in transporting Iranian oil, including some based in China.
Phone call between vice and deputy foreign ministers
On August 24, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu (马朝旭) held a phone call with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi (کاظم غریبآبادی), reiterating China’s hope that parties avoid further escalation and instead create conditions for the early resumption of negotiations. Ma emphasized that the Iranian nuclear issue is again at a “critical crossroads,” and China remains committed to promoting a political solution.
Chinese Ambassador in Iran Cong Peiwu addresses WWII anniversary at event with overseas Chinese
On August 18, Ambassador Cong Peiwu (丛培武) delivered remarks at a commemorative event hosted at the Chinese Embassy in Tehran, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.” He reflected on the lessons of history and strongly reiterated China’s position on Taiwan.
Cong also praised the efforts of Chinese nationals and the local Chinese association during the recent Iran-Israel conflict, especially their role in organizing evacuation missions “involving nearly 300 Chinese citizens.” He encouraged continued people-to-people exchange and support for national reunification.
IRAQ
Chinese Consul General in Erbil publishes articles for Kurdish audience
On August 15, Consul General in Erbil Liu Jun (刘军) published articles in Kurdish (on Kurdsat News) and English (on Kurdistan24) to mark the 80th anniversary of China’s WWII Victory Day, emphasizing that “the Chinese people were the first to raise the banner of resistance against fascism and fired the first shot in the global anti-fascist war, opening the Eastern Front—the earliest and longest-lasting front in that global struggle.”
Liu stressed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and other territories occupied by Japan during WWII as a key post-war outcome, established with a basis in international law by the 1943 Cairo Declaration of China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and subsequently confirmed in the 1945 Potsdam Declaration and the 1971 UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 recognizing the government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China at the United Nations.
The article also spotlighted expanding ties with Iraqi Kurdistan within the BRI framework—investments in energy, telecoms, and infrastructure, as well as increasing cultural engagement. People-to-people exchanges highlighted by Liu included a Chinese department at Salahaddin University-Erbil, a China Studies center at the University of Sulaimani (UoS), a “Kurdistan Region Global Civilization Initiative Research Center,” the upcoming launch of a Chinese language learning and testing center at UoS, and the training in China of more than 1000 Iraqi Kurds “from all walks of life” (各界人士) under the principle of “teaching people how to fish” (授人以渔). Liu stressed China’s willingness to deepen cooperation for regional development and stability.
Consul General visits leading Kurdish business Cihan Group
On August 17, Consul General Liu Jun visited Iraq’s Kurdistan-based Cihan Group, a major regional conglomerate involved in the real estate, finance, healthcare, education, and food sectors. Liu met with Executive Director Nawzad Haj Yahya (نوزاد الحاج يحيى) to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in investment, trade, and finance, as well as strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
KUWAIT
Kuwaiti PM reviews China-Kuwait projects, receives Chinese SOE delegation
On 21 August, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (الشيخ أحمد عبدالله الأحمد الصباح) chaired a meeting of Kuwait’s “Ministerial Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding Signed Between the Governments of the State of Kuwait and the People’s Republic of China.”
The Committee reviewed the progress of 23 major development projects, including Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port (for which a formal signing ceremony was held in February 2025); electrical power systems; renewable energy; low-carbon waste recycling; housing development; environmental infrastructure and wastewater treatment; free and economic zones; and anti-desertification measures.
Following this committee meeting, PM Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah received a delegation from Chinese state-owned Baowu Steel Group, along with senior representatives of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the state-owned enterprise entrusted with completing the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project. Liu Xiang (刘翔), Chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, was in attendance, along with Kuwaiti ministers and other high-level officials from public works, housing, finance, investment, legislation, and foreign affairs.
According to Kuwait News Agency:
“His Highness the Prime Minister instructed that all necessary efforts be made to elevate the strategic bilateral relationship with the People’s Republic of China and to advance joint cooperation toward localizing industry, transferring Chinese technology, and benefiting from China’s vast capabilities in these areas.”
A Chinese MFA readout confirmed this meeting, but offered somewhat less detail on those in attendance and the topics under discussion.
YEMEN
Aden field report offers narrative of “resilience and hope”
On 15 August, the Chinese Embassy in Yemen published a field report recounting Chargé d’Affaires Shao Zheng’s (邵峥) sixth visit to Aden, conducted from 30 July to 3 August. The account, written in the first person in a travel essay-like register, offers impressions from the trip, including observations of daily life in Aden, such as children playing street football, activity in old city markets, and the reopening of Aden Mall.
The report notes ongoing structural challenges, including frequent power outages and significant depreciation of the local currency. The report also cites remarks from a local official who commented on the tenuous security environment, including the direct quotation: “We have even become grateful for video games. Imagine the day Yemeni kids stop playing them… Maybe that’s when they’ll have to carry real guns.”
The report concludes with reflections on Aden’s current state, characterizing it as one of prolonged uncertainty, marked by a lack of open conflict yet no sustainable resolution, a condition of “neither war nor peace” (不战不和).
Chinese Embassy hosts press briefing to reaffirm policy positions
On August 14, Shao Zheng held a press briefing with major Yemeni media outlets including Aden TV, Suhail TV, and Yemen TV, in which he outlined China’s “principled stance” on the Yemen conflict and regional issues.
Amidst reports of Chinese dual-use equipment reaching the Houthis—including some relayed by Yemeni media channels—Shao reaffirmed China’s support for Yemen’s “legitimate government,” the Presidential Leadership Council, and Chairman Rashad al-Alimi (رشاد العليمي). He also emphasized China’s continued commitment to providing humanitarian and reconstruction aid within its capacity. During the Q&A session, Shao addressed questions from journalists on the future of China-Yemen economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
2. Greater Levant
ISRAEL
Israeli media raises prospect of China rearming Iran; Chinese ambassador emphasizes opportunities for China-Irael economic cooperation
In an English-language article from 15 August, Ynet (the online outlet of Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper) raised the possibility of Chinese involvement in rebuilding Iran’s missile capabilities in the wake of the recent Iran-Israel war, citing unnamed “Western intelligence agencies” as having observed China-Iran cooperation “in that regard.”
Meanwhile, China’s ambassador to Israel, Xiao Junzheng (肖军正), published his own English-language editorial for CTech, an outlet covering the Israeli tech industry, in which he steered clear of geopolitical issues and instead strongly emphasized opportunities for China-Israel economic and tech cooperation.
Leading with a presentation of China’s growth, scale, development quality, and ecological sustainability, Ambassador Xiao concluded:
“Although geographically distant, China and Israel have highly complementary economies. Israel, as a Startup Nation, possesses world-class capabilities in technological innovation, while China, as a manufacturing powerhouse and major consumer market, offers a vast market comprising 1.4 billion people and strong manufacturing capacity. Chinese capital can help Israeli startups expand globally, while Israeli technology can support China’s industrial upgrading. Together, the two sides could create a win-win model of “Israel R&D + China manufacturing + global markets”.
“China’s economic and social development not only benefits its own people but also creates opportunities for countries around the world, including Israel. We look forward to deepening mutual understanding and innovation cooperation between China and Israel, especially in emerging sectors such as AI, biotechnology, health care, and clean energy. We can work together to establish joint laboratories and industrial parks, improve investment and financing systems, and foster more benchmark projects. As China advances high-quality development and Israel continues to unleash its innovation advantages, bilateral economic and trade cooperation will reach new heights, jointly contributing to global sustainable development.
While Xiao’s editorial has not been accompanied to date by an official MFA press release, the ambassador shared the article on his own X account.
On 18 August, Xiao met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (גדעון סער). Per the Chinese MFA readout, the two exchanged views on promoting the stable development of China-Israel relations and addressed the “regional situation.”
JORDAN
Victory Day event focuses on overseas Chinese
In contrast to larger events recently held elsewhere in the region—some of which have drawn hundreds of attendees, including members of local government and civil society—a 14 August symposium hosted by the Chinese embassy in Jordan to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” appears to have been more modest in scale.
According to the Chinese MFA, the event brought together just over thirty participants, including representatives of Chinese enterprises, international students, Confucius Institute teachers, and younger members of the overseas Chinese community. The symposium emphasized China’s commitment to peaceful development and reaffirmed the official position that Taiwan “will inevitably return to the embrace of the motherland.”
Chargé d’affaires Gong Anmin (龚安民) presided over the event.
LEBANON
Chinese ambassador continues courtesy visits amidst Lebanese government attempts to disarm non-state actors
China’s ambassador to Lebanon, Chen Chuandong (陈传东), has continued the round of courtesy visits to local officials he initiated after taking up post in-country at the end of June. Most recently, these have included a 14 August meeting with Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani (نزار هاني), a 19 August meeting with Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny (فايز رسامني), and a 21 August meeting with Minister of the Interior and Municipal Affairs Ahmad al-Hajjar (أحمد الحجار).
According to the Chinese readouts, these visits have touched on expanding cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, transport, law enforcement, and local development, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening technical exchanges, training, and trade.
The meetings come as the Lebanese government faces the complex task of implementing its commitment—made as part of a US-brokered November 2024 truce with Israel—to confiscate unauthorized weapons from non-state actors such as Hezbollah and prevent rearmament. To date, China’s cooperation with conflict-prone Lebanon has been limited in comparison to others in the region.
PALESTINE
Head of China’s Palestine Office renews funding commitment for UNRWA, meets with Chairman of Palestinian-Chinese Friendship Association
On 13 August, Zeng Jixin (曾继新), Head of China’s Representative Office to the State of Palestine, signed China’s annual donation agreement in Amman, Jordan, with Karim Amer (كريم عامر), Director of Partnerships at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), affirming at the signing ceremony that China has “consistently and firmly supported UNRWA in fulfilling its mandate.”
According to coverage by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, China raised its UNRWA program budget commitment to USD 1.5 million this year. In 2024, with a program budget of USD 1 million and a total contribution of USD 5.4 million, China ranked 29th among UNRWA donors, just ahead of India but behind donors such as Germany, which contributed a total of USD 174 million, and the United States, with a grand total of USD 70.6 million.
On 21 August, Zeng met with Adnan Samara (عدنان سمارة), Chairman of the Palestinian-Chinese Friendship Association, to celebrate the election of the group’s new board and highlight its role in strengthening ties. The two sides exchanged views on the Palestinian issue, with Adnan extending congratulations to China on upcoming national anniversaries and reaffirming the Association’s commitment to bilateral friendship.
China calls for ceasefire
In a brief statement on 20 August, in response to a question from Al Jazeera about reports that Hamas had agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement, MFA Spokesperson Mao Ning (毛宁) reaffirmed Chinese support for a ceasefire, saying:
“China is closely following the situation in Gaza and hopes an early ceasefire arrangement [can] be reached to deescalate the situation and ease the humanitarian crisis.”
TÜRKIYE
Ambassador publishes Turkish-language article on BRI, hosts Victory Day event
On 13 August, Chinese Ambassador to Turkey Jiang Xuebin (姜学斌) published a signed article in Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet titled “The Belt and Road Initiative Broadens the Path to Win-Win Cooperation.” The piece highlights deepening economic ties between China and Turkey under the Belt and Road framework, citing growing trade, currency cooperation, infrastructure links, and tourism flows. It explicitly rejects Western criticisms of the BRI as “debt-trap diplomacy,” framing the initiative as a public good based on mutual benefit, green development, and inclusive cooperation.
Two days later, the Chinese Embassy in Turkey hosted a reception and seminar in Ankara titled “Remember History, Cherish Peace” to mark Victory Day. Ambassador Jiang reportedly addressed an audience of Turkish political, business, academic, and media figures, emphasizing China’s role in the anti-fascist struggle and calling for deeper bilateral cooperation rooted in shared resistance to colonialism and hegemony.
3. North and Northeast Africa
LIBYA
China signals interest in heritage cooperation and support for political resolution
On 13 August, Liu Jian (刘健), Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Libya, met in Tripoli with Mohamed Faraj Al-Fallos (محمد فرج الفلوس), Director of Libya’s Department of Antiquities. Liu reportedly emphasized bilateral friendship and proposed closer cooperation in archaeological preservation, digital heritage display, and related fields, while Faraj welcomed China’s experience and expressed interest in strengthening joint efforts in cultural heritage protection, archaeological research, and training.
The following day in Tunis, Liu met with Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya. Liu reiterated China’s “principled stance” on the Libyan issue and expressed readiness to enhance coordination with the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to promote a political solution. Tetteh briefed Liu on recent consultations with Libyan stakeholders and outlined UNSMIL’s priorities.
MOROCCO
China hosts Victory Day film screening in Rabat
On 15 August, the Chinese Embassy in Morocco held a screening of The Sinking of Lisbon Maru at the China Cultural Center in Rabat to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s WWII Victory Day. Chargé d’affaires Zhou Zhicheng (周志成) addressed an audience of nearly 60 guests, including former Moroccan ministers Mohamed Aujjar (محمد أوجار) and Fathallah Oualalou (فتح الله والعلو), alongside diplomats and representatives from political, academic, and cultural circles.
TUNISIA
Chinese ambassador meets with Tunisian head of regions
On 18 August, Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wan Li (万黎) met with Imed Derbali (عماد الدربالي), President of Tunisia’s National Council of Provinces and Regions, to discuss strengthening high-level exchanges and advancing cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. Derbali reportedly reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to the One-China principle, while Wan expressed appreciation and emphasized China’s readiness to expand cooperation across multiple fields.
Leave a Reply