14 August 2025
This second edition of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor surveys diplomatic activity between China and countries of the Mideast over the period from 6 to 13 August 2025.
Drawing cues primarily from Chinese-language releases issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and regional Chinese embassies, we supplement with context from other official, semi-official, and reputable journalistic sources, including a number of regional outlets. We have also conducted background research in Arabic, Farsi, French, Hebrew, and other 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
- China-OIC meeting highlights agreement on Xinjiang, Palestine
II. Country-specific developments
This edition of the Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor has been prepared by Raphael Angieri.
I. Region-wide developments
China-OIC meeting highlights concurrence on Xinjiang, Palestine issues
On 6 August in Jeddah, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Chang Hua (常华) met with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (حسين إبراهيم طه), praising the inclusion for the sixth consecutive time of “language supportive of China” (“友华案文”) in an OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting resolution and noting positive assessments from OIC delegations that had visited Xinjiang. Chang reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening practical cooperation, promoting mutual learning between civilizations, and upholding a principled stance on the Palestinian issue, while Taha reportedly commended China’s ethnic and religious policies and its fair position on Palestine, expressing readiness to strengthen traditional ties and expand collaboration in education, science, technology, and culture.
While the main text of this year’s OIC Resolutions on Political Affairs adopted by the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers does not appear to contain more than passing reference to China, Chang’s meeting with Taha builds on a pattern of engagement between China and the OIC dating back at least to 2019, when the organization adopted a resolution explicitly commending China’s treatment of its Muslim citizens following the visit of an official General Secretariat’s delegation to Xinjiang.
That same year, 14 prominent OIC member states were among the 37 states that co-signed a letter to the UN Human Rights Council defending China’s policies in the Xinjiang region and rejecting what they described as the politicization of human rights. Since then, OIC resolutions have avoided any critique of China on the Uyghur issue, even as they have taken firm positions against the treatment of Muslim communities elsewhere, notably by India (in Kashmir), Myanmar (vis-à-vis the Rohingya minority), and Israel (Gaza, Jerusalem, etc.).
The OIC consists of 57 member states, 48 of which are Muslim-majority, for a collective population of ~2 billion, accounting for about a quarter of the world’s population.
II. Country-specific developments
1. Perso-Arab Gulf
IRAN
Political and economic talks in Tehran
On 5 August, Ambassador Cong Peiwu (丛培武) met Ali-Asghar Mohammadi (علیاصغر محمدی), Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General for Asia-Pacific Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues. Cong reaffirmed China’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, security, and national dignity, and called for closer cooperation under multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, while Mohammadi reiterated Iran’s view of China as a strategic partner and pledged support for China’s SCO chairmanship.
On 9 August, Cong met with newly appointed Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Seyed Ali Madanizadeh (سید علی مدنیزاده), highlighting China’s 5.3% economic growth in the first half of 2025 and its potential to create opportunities in Iran; Madanizadeh praised China’s achievements and voiced readiness to advance bilateral economic ties.
IRAQ
High-level exchanges in Baghdad
On 7 and 11 August 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Cui Wei met respectively with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (فؤاد حسين) and President Abdul Latif Rashid (عبد اللطيف رشيد) for exchanges on China-Iraq relations, China-Arab collective cooperation, and international and regional issues. Both Iraqi leaders emphasized the importance they attach to ties with China and expressed readiness to work closely with Beijing to deepen exchanges and cooperation across sectors and advance the bilateral relationship.
Consular heat warning for Basra, a growing hub of Chinese activity
On 12 August, the Chinese Consulate General in Basra issued a safety notice urging Chinese citizens to take precautions against extreme heat exceeding 50°C, warning of shortened government office hours, water shortages, and heightened fire risks.
Basra has in recent years become a major focus of Chinese oil operations, with both majors and independents increasingly prevalent—Reuters reported last week that China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) “alone accounts for more than half of Iraq’s current production at massive fields including Haifaya, Rumaila and West Qurna 1.” A Chinese company has moreover reportedly just won a bid to construct Iraq’s first large-scale seawater desalination plant in Basra, to help meet the challenge of severe regional water shortages.
China’s Basra consulate opened in October 2023.
KUWAIT
Chinese Embassy marks 80th anniversary of Victory Day
On 6 August, the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait convened a seminar on the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, with Chargé d’affaires Liu Xiang (刘翔) underscoring commitment to peace, development, and a just resolution of the Palestinian issue in cooperation with Arab states.
SAUDI ARABIA
Consular meeting with climate leaders
On 11 August, Chinese Consul General in Jeddah Wang Qimin (王奇敏) visited the Saudi National Center for Meteorology headquarters in Jeddah and met with its CEO Dr. Ayman Ghulam (أيمن غلام). Wang highlighted the solid foundation of China-Saudi cooperation in meteorology and expressed hope to deepen collaboration in climate change, desertification control, meteorological early warning, and disaster prevention and mitigation to jointly contribute to global sustainable development. Dr. Ghulam praised recent achievements in Saudi-China cooperation in the field and voiced willingness to further strengthen dialogue and promote comprehensive exchanges and cooperation on meteorology and climate change.
YEMEN
Chinese Chargé d’affaires: Recap of Aden trip
On 10 August, Chinese Chargé d’affaires to Yemen Shao Zheng (邵峥) met Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani (شائع محسن الزنداني) in Riyadh to brief him on his recent visit to Aden, reaffirming China’s commitment to providing humanitarian and reconstruction aid, and expressing hope for bilateral ties; al-Zindani, recalling a visit to China in 1974, praised the friendship and voiced eagerness to deepen cooperation.
Responding to claims of China support for Houthis
In an 11 August interview with “Yemeni media,” Shao reiterated China’s readiness to strengthen relations and invited Yemen to “board the express train” of Chinese development (“搭乘中国发展快车”), while outlining China’s positions on Mideast peace and the Red Sea situation. In a separate interview with Asharq al-Awsat (الشرق الأوسط) in Saudi Arabia, he reviewed the history of China-Yemen relations, called for an immediate halt to Red Sea shipping attacks, reaffirmed support for President Rashad al-Alimi (رشاد العليمي) and the Presidential Leadership Council, and stressed China’s willingness to coordinate with Saudi Arabia and others to help Yemen achieve peace and stability.
According to Asharq al-Awsat’s account of the interview, Shao also responded in the interview to recent reports that a shipment of Chinese-origin dual-use equipment had been seized by Yemeni authorities en route to the Houthis, the latest of several reports suggesting that Chinese technology has found its way to the group. Shao asserted these were “baseless rumors,” stressing that China “exercises strict control over dual-use materials” and adding: “We don’t know where this equipment is coming from.”
Playing both sides against the middle?
Dr. Mohammad Salami of the International Institute for Global Strategic Analysis published a piece with the Stimson Center on 12 August, arguing that China is providing the Houthis with dual-use technologies like satellite imagery and drone components so as to leverage the Red Sea crisis to undercut US influence and gain strategic advantage.
Salami proposes that by ‘silently supporting’ the Houthis—without formally recognizing them or overtly defying US sanctions—China maintains plausible neutrality while reaping economic benefits, including protected shipping lanes and discounted access to sanctioned oil. This calibrated ambiguity, Salami argues, allows China to challenge the US-dominated order while deepening ties with both state and non-state actors in the region. Beijing’s reluctance to join US-led maritime patrols and its increased shipping volume in the Red Sea are seen as instances of this broader strategy to turn regional instability into a competitive edge.
Reiteration of the official Chinese line on Houthis
On 11 August, responding to a New York Times question on claims that Chinese ships in the Red Sea have been spared Houthi attacks under deal with Iran, MFA spokesperson Lin Jian (林剑) denied any such arrangement, reiterated opposition to harassment of civilian vessels, and pledged China’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the Red Sea.
2. Greater Levant
ISRAEL
MFA response to Israeli security cabinet’s intent to occupy Gaza
On 8 August, MFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) voiced “serious concern” over Israel’s security cabinet approving a plan for the Israel Defense Forces to take control of Gaza City, calling Gaza an “inseparable part of Palestinian territory” and urging Israel to halt “dangerous moves.” Guo stressed that an immediate ceasefire is the only way to relieve the humanitarian crisis and secure the release of hostages, and that China stands ready to work with the international community to calm the conflict, alleviate suffering, and implement the two-state solution.
Two days later at a UN Security Council emergency session, Ambassador Fu Cong (傅聪) warned that the 22-month Gaza conflict—having claimed more than 61,000 lives—was moving “in an even more dangerous direction,” and reiterated China’s opposition to any change in Gaza’s demographic or territorial status, condemnation of forced displacement and restrictions on humanitarian access, and rejection of the use of military force as a solution. Fu urged influential states to act impartially to press for a ceasefire, and called for renewed momentum toward the two-state solution as the “only viable way” to resolve the conflict.
Spokesperson response to Al Jazeera deaths
On 11 August, in response to an Al Jazeera question about Israel’s killing of five of the network’s journalists and whether China would take concrete steps to prevent a repeat of the 1948 Palestinian displacement, MFA spokesperson Lin Jian offered condolences and condemned violence against journalists, urged Israel to halt its Gaza offensive and restore humanitarian access, but gave no specific indication of intended actions.
Chinese envoy visits Eilat to boost sister-city and tourism ties
On 4 August, Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xie Junzheng (肖军正) visited the Red-Sea resort city of Eilat, meeting Mayor Eli Lankri (אלי לנקרי) to discuss people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation. Xie praised Eilat’s leadership in tourism, solar energy, marine resource development, and desert environment transformation, and expressed hope for deeper sister-city ties with Yinchuan (银川市), the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region—incidentally where this year’s China-Arab States Expo will take place, at the end of August.
Lankri reiterated the city’s value on China ties, cited ongoing cooperation with Yinchuan, voiced interest in exchanges with other Chinese cities such as Sanya, in Hainan, and welcomed more Chinese tourists.
LEBANON
Last engagements of departing Lebanese ambassador to China
On 6 August, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin (刘彬) met outgoing Lebanese Ambassador to China Melia Jabour (ميليا جبور), praising her contributions to the steady growth of bilateral relations under the guidance of both countries’ leaders and expressing hope she would continue to support China-Lebanon and China-Arab ties after her departure; Jabour thanked China for its support during her nearly eight years in office, highlighted Lebanon’s high regard for relations with China, and voiced hope Beijing would continue to uphold justice on the Lebanon-Israel and Israel-Palestine conflicts. On 12 August, Chinese Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun (翟隽) also met with Jabour, exchanging views on bilateral ties and the regional situation.
Chinese ambassador looks to strengthen China-Lebanese media
On 7 August, Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Chen Chuandong (陈传东) met with Télé Liban Director Elissar Naddaf (إليسار ندّاف جعجة) to discuss strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Lebanese media to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples; Naddaf expressed interest in expanding collaboration in program production and personnel training.
PALESTINE
No comment from MFA on potential Indonesia-Gaza aid cooperation
On 8 August, MFA Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) declined to comment directly on a reported Indonesian plan to transfer around 2,000 injured Gaza residents to an Indonesian island for treatment or on potential for China-Indonesia cooperation in this regard, stating that China was “not in possession” of the specific details.
Guo reiterated that the priority was to secure a lasting Gaza ceasefire and ensure humanitarian access, and said China was willing to work with the international community to raise a stronger voice and play a greater role toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.
SYRIA
High-level meeting amidst unresolved political concerns
Syrian state news agency SANA reports that Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (أسعد حسن الشيباني) met in Damascus with Chinese Ambassador Shi Hongwei (史宏微) on 10 August to discuss regional and international developments of mutual concern, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral relations. According to SANA, Shi reiterated China’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, its opposition to any interference in Syrian internal affairs, and the importance of continued coordination between the two countries. SANA notes that the meeting followed a 29 July meeting in which the Chinese ambassador condemned Israeli strikes on Syrian territory.
Rosaleen Carroll of Al-Monitor writes that the meeting takes place as the two sides struggle to bridge a fundamental gap over Syria’s integration of Uyghur militants—particularly those linked to the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP)—into its new security forces. While Damascus, under Ahmed al-Sharaa, views these fighters as indispensable to its ousting of the Assad regime and is wary of sidelining them, Beijing sees their inclusion as a security threat and a potential conduit for anti-Chinese militancy. Carroll writes that this dispute may stall state-led Chinese reconstruction investment, with both governments seeking minimal concessions that can reconcile China’s counterterrorism demands with Syria’s domestic stability concerns.
China’s MFA seemingly has yet to release a briefing on the meeting between Foreign Minister al-Shibani and Ambassador Shi.
TURKEY
China-Türkiye diplomatic engagements on trade and health
On 5 and 6 August, Chinese Ambassador to Türkiye Jiang Xuebin (姜学斌) met separately with Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, discussing ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Talks covered expanding trade, investment, and tourism ties, enhancing health-sector collaboration, and leveraging existing mechanisms such as the Joint Economic and Trade Commission to broaden mutually beneficial engagement.
3. North and Northeast Africa
ALGERIA
On 7 August, Head of the Chinese Mission to the AU Jiang Feng (蒋烽) met with Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the African Union Mohamed Khaled (محمد خالد) to discuss bilateral and regional cooperation. Jiang highlighted Algeria’s role in restoring China’s seat at the UN in 1971 and expressed readiness to deepen ties through the UN, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum; Khaled pledged to advance Algeria-China and Africa-China relations.
Chinese Ambassador looks to health and infrastructure ties in Aïn Defla
On 7 August 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Dong Guangli (董广利) visited Aïn Defla Province and met with Governor Aïssa Aziz Bouras (عيسى عزيز بوراس) to discuss strengthening local cooperation, highlighting the province’s role as host to the largest and most comprehensive Chinese medical aid contingent and calling bilateral health cooperation a model for building a “global community of health for all.” Boulras praised the team’s contributions and expressed readiness to expand ties with China in agriculture, geothermal energy, the automobile industry, infrastructure, and trade and investment to make Aïn Defla a hub for local-level China-Algeria cooperation.
The same day, Ambassador Dong visited Aïn Defla’s Madjen Benmira Hospital (ماجن بن ميرة) to meet the province’s contingent of the 28th Chinese medical aid team, commending their contributions to Algerian health and bilateral friendship. He also inspected the 55-kilometer double-track railway renovation project in Aïn Defla undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, reviewing its progress, safety, and quality management, and speaking with frontline workers.
During his visits, Ambassador Dong recalled that Algeria was the first country to receive a Chinese medical aid delegation in 1963, just after it achieved independence from French colonial control.
DJIBOUTI
Ambassador meets with Foreign Minister
On 7 August, Chinese Ambassador to Djibouti Hu Bin (胡斌) met with Djibouti Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar (عبد القادر حسين عمر) to discuss advancing the China-Djibouti comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides pledged to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, deepen bilateral cooperation, and promote regional peace, stability, and development.
EGYPT
China, Egypt launch livestock training to tackle rural poverty in Monufia
On 11 August 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang (廖力强) attended the launch of the China-Egypt “New Hope” Livestock Farming Technology Training Program in the village of Subk al-Ahad (سبك الأحد), Monufia Governorate. Co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, and New Hope Group, the program focuses on practical training across the full livestock breeding cycle to help maximize farmers’ profits. Liao emphasized that the initiative builds on China’s success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty and aligns with Egypt’s own poverty reduction path, serving as an innovative means to empower rural women and strengthen people-to-people ties. Egyptian representatives reportedly praised China’s poverty alleviation achievements, thanked Beijing for its strong support to rural development, and described the program as a vivid embodiment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries at the grassroots level.
MOROCCO
Meeting of the Moroccan “Association for the Promotion of China’s Peaceful Reunification”
On 8 August, Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhicheng (周志成) attended the first meeting of the second council of the Moroccan Association for the Promotion of China’s Peaceful Reunification. This association is one of many overseas chapters affiliated with the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification (中国和平统一促进会), a United Front organization coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party to promote Beijing’s stance on Taiwan among diaspora communities.
Zhou praised the Moroccan branch’s nearly decade-long contributions to promoting national reunification, fostering people-to-people ties, and serving the local Chinese community. New association president Li Yong (李勇) pledged to unite all possible forces in Morocco toward the complete reunification of China and the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” and Zhou held exchanges with Lin Weiqiang (林伟强), president of China’s Moroccan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Yan Qinxing (严钦兴), president of the local Chinese Business Association.
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