All Policy Analysis by Carol Silber

Beijing has responded to regional conflicts with a bevy of multilateral forums, peace plans, and envoys, but without the deeper commitments and follow-through required to resolve them.

His discussions on nuclear proliferation, energy markets, defense cooperation, and other issues offered numerous contrasts with President Biden’s summer meetings in Saudi Arabia—as well as some unexpected criticism of Iran.

Regional governments will continue to balance between Beijing and Washington, so policymakers should focus on tipping the scale in America’s favor, countering the narrative of U.S. withdrawal, and avoiding unnecessary escalation with China.

China is already one of the kingdom’s major commercial partners and a significant supplier of military and nuclear technology, but Riyadh wants more of each.

Lebanese Shia, Sunnis, and Christians are increasingly divided on the United States and Russia, while China maintains cross-sectarian favorability and ties with Iran have jumped in importance among Sunnis.

Regional governments are scrambling to repatriate thousands of their trapped citizens, and the United States could play a key role in facilitating their safe return.

So far, official statements from the region have ranged from rejecting Russia’s moves to treating them as a natural extension of existing policy.

Because regional leaders are treating the games as another stage for balancing historic partnerships with current economic and security interests, Washington should keep drawing clear lines regarding their ties with Beijing.

While all sectarian groups voice increased frustration with the government, positive Shia views on Iran still differ sharply from others.