Edition #1
7 August 2025
This inaugural edition of The Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor surveys China’s Mideast-facing diplomatic activity over the two-week period from 24 July to 6 August 2025.
For this pilot issue, we have adopted a broad thematic scope while primarily focusing our attention on Chinese-language releases issued directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), including ones first published as dispatches from regional Chinese embassies. Where relevant, we have supplemented these materials with context drawn from other official, semi-official, or reputable non-governmental sources. We have also conducted background research in Arabic, Farsi, French, Hebrew, and other languages to verify the identities of non-Chinese interlocutors named in the releases covered.
In the selection below, we limit our geographic scope to a narrower definition of the Mideast (see Table of Contents). In future editions of the Monitor, we plan to broaden our coverage, in particular to include North Africa.
Table of contents
- New ambassadors present credentials to President Xi
- MOFCOM announces upcoming China-Arab States Expo
II. Country-specific developments
This edition of The Sino-Arabica Policy Monitor has been prepared by Raphael Angieri and Omnia Musa.
I. Region-wide developments
On 25 July, in a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi Jinping formally received the credentials of 16 newly appointed ambassadors, including representatives from Egypt, Iran, and Israel.
Egypt’s newly instated ambassador, Khaled Ahmed Farouk Nazmi (خالد أحمد فاروق نظمي), is arriving in Beijing after a prior posting as minister plenipotentiary in Berlin.
Iran’s ambassador, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli (عبدالرضا رحمانی فضلی) previously served as interior minister and has been sanctioned by the United States for his alleged role in human rights abuses against protesters in November 2019.
Israel’s Eliav (“Eli”) Belotserkovsky (“Belotsercovsky”) (אלי בלוצרקובסקי) was appointed in early March and has been doing the rounds with the Chinese foreign policy establishment since assuming office on 4 June.
Eli Belotserkovsky is a career diplomat most recently assigned as Ambassador to South Africa (2021–2023), until being recalled following that country’s call to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He previously served as Ambassador to Ukraine (2014~2018), and as Director of the MFA’s Department of Economic Relations with India and China. His Chinese name is 贝以理.
PRC MOFCOM spokesperson He Yongqian (何咏前) announced at a 25 July press briefing that this year’s China-Arab States Expo will be held in Yinchuan, Ningxia from 28-31 August. Inaugurated in 2013, the Expo will be in its seventh edition this year.
The Expo will be jointly hosted by MOFCOM, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and the People’s Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, under two frameworks for China-Arab cooperation defined by President Xi:
“Eight Major Joint Actions” for practical China-Arab cooperation
Proposed by Xi Jinping at the first-ever China-Arab States Summit in 2022, the Eight Major Joint Actions call for China-Arab cooperation in the areas of:
(1) Support for development; (2) Food security; (3) Health and the medical sector; (4) Green innovation; (5) Energy security; (6) Cultural and civilizational dialogue; (7) Youth development and talent training; and (8) Security and stability.
“Five Cooperation Frameworks” between China and the Arab states
Proposed by Xi Jinping at the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in 2024, the Five Cooperation Frameworks aim to promote the development of China-Arab relations through:
(1) More innovation-driven cooperation; (2) Larger-scale investment and financial cooperation; (3) More multi-dimensional energy cooperation; (4) More balanced trade and economic reciprocity; and (5) Broader people-to-people and cultural exchange.
The 7th China-Arab States Expo will be held under the slogan of “Innovation, Green, Prosperity,” and feature a “1+2+6+8” program of activities:
- “1” — an opening ceremony and BRI trade and investment promotion event;
- “2” — two events, one recognizing the United Arab Emirates as Country of Honor and another setting Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as Theme Province;
- “6” — opening of six themed exhibition areas, each designed to feature a different type of exhibitor: (1) exhibitors from BRI countries, (2) exhibitors representing China’s subnational economic cooperation, (3) China’s central SOEs, (4) clean energy exhibitors, (5) digital economy exhibitors, and (6) specialty product exhibitors;
- “8” — convening of eight sub-events around the topics (1) China-Arab business and trade, (2) technology transfer and innovation-minded cooperation, (3) modern agriculture, (4) water resources, (5) health, (6) China-Arab tourism, (7) high-quality development in meteorology, and (8) intellectual property standards.
Over 500 institutions and companies from 42 countries and 30 provinces (notably Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Tibet) have reportedly registered to participate, including 11 international and regional organizations, 73 foreign business associations and companies, and over 400 Chinese business associations and companies.
New areas of sectoral focus include the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and smart meteorology, with entities of note such as China Telecom, China Unicom, Huawei, China Energy Investment Corporation, and State Grid slated to attend.
II. Country-specific developments
1. Perso-Arab Gulf
IRAN
Chinese Ambassador to Iran reaffirms “strategic” ties, silent on recent war
On 30 July, Iran’s official news agency IRNA published an op-ed by Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu (丛培武) titled “Deepening Cooperation, the Essence of the China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” relayed the next day in Chinese on the official MFA website. The piece, timed to mark People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Day on 1 August, presents China as a peaceful, anti-hegemonic force committed to global stability. While reaffirming Beijing’s long-term support for Iran’s sovereignty and its efforts to promote security through multilateral forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, the op-ed omits reference to the recent US-Israel war with Iran, in which China was largely perceived as having remained on the sidelines.
Diplomatic meetings in Beijing, PLA Day in Tehran
On 22 July, Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu (丛培武) met in Tehran with Ali Akbar Velayati (علیاکبر ولایتی), foreign affairs advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Cong emphasized China’s commitment to working with Iran to strengthen coordination within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), wherein China and Iran are both members. Cong affirmed that China seeks to uphold regional stability, citing President Xi’s call for the SCO to provide “more stability and positive energy” amid global turbulence. According to the Chinese readout, Velayati praised Beijing’s “just” stance on international issues and expressed Iran’s support for China’s SCO chairmanship.
That same day, also in Beijing, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Zhai Jun (翟隽) held talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh (سعید خطیبزاده) on bilateral ties and the broader regional situation.
On 29 July, Ambassador Cong hosted a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Tehran marking the 98th anniversary of the PLA and the upcoming 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, i.e., World War II.
IRAQ
MFA Spokesman Guo Jiakun on lack of BRI in Iraqi Kurdistan
At a 29 July press briefing, Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) declined to directly address the absence of BRI investment in Iraqi Kurdistan raised in a question from Iraqi Kurdistan’s Rudaw TV, instead emphasizing China’s cooperation with Iraq as a whole.
KUWAIT
China-Kuwait defense ties highlighted at PLA Day event
On 28 July, the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait marked the PLA’s 98th anniversary with a high-profile reception attended by over 350 guests, including top Kuwaiti defense officials. Chargé d’affaires Liu Xiang (刘翔) cast China’s World War II legacy as a foundation for its current calls to defend multilateralism and build a “community with a shared future.” Defense Attaché Liu Zongzhen (刘宗振) framed the PLA’s modernization as part of Xi Jinping’s push to make China a central player in global security, citing peacekeeping and anti-piracy operations. Both underscored growing military cooperation with Kuwait as part of this broader strategic ambition.
Kuwait Times reports that on the sidelines of this event, Deputy Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah (أحمد عبد الله الأحمد الصباح) described military cooperation with China as a “strategic pathway” and announced the near completion of a jointly developed ammunition factory, highlighting growing bilateral coordination in infrastructure and defense training.
SAUDI ARABIA
Consul General Wang Qimin Marks 35 Years of China-Saudi Relations
On 21 July, China’s Consul General in Jeddah, Wang Qimin (王奇敏), published an op-ed in Okaz, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading newspapers, marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia. The full text was reprinted in Chinese the following day by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wang traces the relationship’s evolution into a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” highlighting alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Vision 2030 and citing landmark projects such as the Yanbu refinery and Al Shuaibah solar plant as evidence of deepening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and technology.
On the cultural front, he praises growing Chinese language education in the Kingdom and youth exchange through esports and tourism. Looking ahead, he calls for the two sides to “consolidate political mutual trust and firmly support each other; join hands to face challenges together, and jointly promote a multipolar world that is equal and orderly, and globalization that is inclusive and beneficial for all.”
PLA Day reception and Chinese auto market expansion
On 24 July, Ambassador Chang Hua (常华) hosted a reception in Riyadh to commemorate the PLA’s 98th anniversary, drawing over 300 attendees including Saudi officials and military representatives, who reportedly praised China’s contribution to regional and global peace. On 28 July, Consul General Wang Qimin attended the opening of Rox Motor’s flagship store in Jeddah, encouraging Chinese automakers to deepen their presence in the Saudi market and pledging consular support.
YEMEN
PLA Day celebrated with Yemeni ministers in Riyadh
On 28 July, the Chinese Embassy in Yemen—formally based in Sana’a but operating from Riyadh—hosted a reception in the Saudi capital marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. The Chinese embassy’s Chargé d’affaires Shao Zheng (邵峥) and Yemeni Brigadier General Yahya Ahmed Al-Wael (يحيى أحمد الوعيل), Military Attaché at the Yemeni Embassy in Saudi Arabia, delivered remarks to an audience of foreign diplomats, military attachés, and officials from Yemen’s MFA and Ministry of Defense.
Shao highlighted the PLA’s legacy and ongoing role in peacekeeping, including UN missions, Gulf of Aden escorts, and support for Yemen. He condemned Red Sea shipping attacks and pledged to safeguard supply chains. According to the Chinese MFA readout, Brig. Gen. Al-Wael commended the PLA’s achievements and thanked China for its sustained aid and role in Yemen’s peace process.
Engagement with media, civil society, and think tanks
Between 23 and 30 July, Chargé d’affaires Shao Zheng held a series of engagements in and from Riyadh with representatives from Yemeni civil society, media, academia. Shao met with Abdulqawi Al-Odaini (عبدالقوي العديني), editor-in-chief of Investment magazine, to discuss economic and trade cooperation; Walid Al-Muallimi (وليد المعلمي) of the Messengers of Peace Organization to reaffirm Chinese humanitarian and reconstruction assistance “within its capacity;” and Maged Al-Madhaji (ماجد المذحجي) and Farea Al-Muslimi (فارع المسلمي), respectively of the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies and Chatham House, to exchange views on the peace process and Red Sea security.
Engagement with Aden-based internationally recognized government
From 30 to 31 July, Chargé d’affaires Shao Zheng visited Aden in eastern Yemen, where he held in-person meetings with representatives of the internationally recognized government (IRG). He began with Jameel Al-Sanhani (جميل السنحاني), head of the Yemeni MFA’s Asia Department, and Ghazi Lahmar (غازي لحمر), Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Fisheries, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, with a focus on strengthening China-Yemen economic ties.
On the second day of his visit, Shao met with Aidarus Al-Zoubaidi (عيدروس الزبيدي), Vice President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council; Mohammed Al‑Ashwal (محمد الأشول), Yemeni Minister of Industry and Trade; Aden Governor Ahmed Hamed Lamlas (أحمد حامد لملس); and Waed Abdullah Badhib (واعد عبدالله باذيب), Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation. The meetings focused on expanding economic cooperation, supporting Yemen’s reconstruction and development, and reaffirming China’s support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
2. Greater Levant
EGYPT
Beijing alerts travelers to risks as Egypt visits multiply
On 25 July, the MFA relayed a public notice from the Chinese Embassy in Cairo urging Chinese nationals to follow local laws, avoid restricted items, and remain alert to risks including sensitive areas, unauthorized guides, dangerous activities, and extreme heat.
Egypt is a rapidly growing destination for Chinese travelers. According to TTG China, an industry publication, the country received around 370,000 Chinese visitors in 2024—a 65% increase from the year before—with arrivals up another 30% year-on-year in Q1 2025.
Chinese Embassy in Cairo marks PLA Day, introduces new defense attaché
On 24 July, Ambassador Liao Liqiang (廖力强) hosted a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Cairo to mark the 98th anniversary of the PLA and introduce China’s new defense attaché Wu Qian (吴谦). Over 500 guests attended, including Egyptian military officials, foreign diplomats, Chinese nationals, and local partners. In his remarks, Liao highlighted the strength of China-Egypt military ties under Xi Jinping and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and reiterated China’s commitment to global peace.
LEBANON
Early priority-setting from new Chinese ambassador
From 29 to 31 July, as part of early diplomatic engagements in Lebanon, China’s new ambassador, Chen Chuandong (陈传东), carried out a series of political and symbolic visits. In a reflection of MFA priorities, Ambassador Chen first paid tribute at the grave of Chinese peacekeeper Du Zhaoyu (杜照宇), emphasizing Chinese participation in UNIFIL and linking the visit to wider themes of peacekeeping and international order.
Ambassador Chen also met with Imran Riza, UN Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, to discuss the role of UN agencies in Lebanon and signal China’s willingness to coordinate with multilateral partners. In courtesy meetings with Hanine Sayed (حنين السيد), Minister of Social Affairs, and Joe Issa El-Khoury (جو عيسى الخوري), Minister of Industry, Chen exchanged views on deepening cooperation in social development and trade.
PALESTINE
MFA Spokesman Guo Jiakun on on Gaza, Palestinian statehood, and the France-Saudi New York Declaration
At a 25 July press conference, Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s stated intent for France to formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the September 2025 UN General Assembly session, reiterating that the two-state solution remains “the only realistic way” to resolve the conflict. He affirmed China’s support for the upcoming high-level UN meeting and pledged continued cooperation with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis.
At a 30 July briefing, Guo expressed “deep concern” over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing WHO figures on malnutrition deaths—63 in July alone, including 25 children—as evidence of an unfolding disaster. He condemned Israel’s escalating military operations and called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the blockade, and full restoration of humanitarian access.
Guo moreover welcomed the high-level UN meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia and endorsed the resulting New York Declaration. Guo emphasized China’s support for Palestinian unity, local self-governance, and the implementation of a sustainable peace framework, reiterating Beijing’s willingness to work with the international community to help resolve the conflict.
Special Envoy Zhai Jun speaks at UN Meeting on Two-State Solution
From 28 to 30 July 2025, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun (翟隽), attended the high-level UN meeting on implementing the two-state solution co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York, which brought together senior representatives from 125 countries and regions.
In his plenary remarks, Zhai warned that ongoing conflict in Gaza and erosion of conditions necessary for a two-state solution had created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. He called on the international community to move beyond rhetoric to concrete action and presented a five-point proposal:
- Push urgently for a comprehensive ceasefire and humanitarian relief;
- Promote governance in Gaza and West Bank based on principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine”;
- Support internal Palestinian unity and help build governance and economic resilience;
- Preserve momentum toward peace and the implementation of the two-state solution;
- Uphold a shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable vision of security to ensure long-term stability in the region.
On the sidelines, Zhai met with a range of counterparts, including the foreign ministers or deputy foreign ministers of Iraq, Palestine, Russia, Kuwait, Switzerland, and the EU, as well as the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to exchange views on the Gaza crisis and other regional issues.
Mediation among Palestinian factions within China’s vision of global governance
In a 30 July article outlining the significance of the “Community with a Shared Future for Mankind,” MFA Party Secretary Qi Yu (齐玉) presented China’s efforts in 2024 to mediate between Palestinian factions—alongside its roles in brokering Saudi-Iranian rapprochement and convening dialogue on the Myanmar crisis—as part of a broader contribution to global governance under the banner of the Three Global Initiatives (三大全球倡议) proposed by Xi Jinping between 2021 and 2022. Qi Yu frames these mediation efforts as practical expressions of China’s alternative model of security: one based on mutual security, tolerance of differences, and dialogue over confrontation.
SYRIA
At a 28 July UN Security Council meeting on Syria, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Fu Cong (傅聪), expressed deep concern over recent deadly clashes in southern Syria’s Suwayda region.
Fu reiterated China’s position that a Syrian-led, inclusive political process—based on Resolution 2254—remains the only viable solution to the conflict. Fu urged Syrian authorities to advance political transition through dialogue, ensure accountability for recent violence, and respect ceasefire agreements. He also called for stronger efforts to combat terrorism, singling out foreign fighters and groups like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Lastly, Fu condemned Israeli airstrikes in Syria and reaffirmed China’s support for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights.
TURKEY
New Turkish Ambassador Arrives in Beijing, Meets Foreign Minister
On 1 August, Assistant Foreign Minister and Chief of Protocol Hong Lei (洪磊) received a copy of credentials from newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to China, Selçuk Ünal, who arrived in Beijing on 30 July.
On 5 August, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin met with Ambassador Ünal to welcome him to his post, emphasizing the steady development of China-Türkiye relations and expressing hope for deeper cooperation as the two countries approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. Ünal affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to the one-China principle and voiced support for strengthening cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and counterterrorism fields.
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