Please join the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub and the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative on Thursday, September 5th from 9:00 – 10:00 am ET for the launch of a new report by nonresident senior fellows Jonathan Fulton and Michael Schuman, titled, China’s Middle East policy shift from “hedging” to “wedging.” 

Beijing’s diplomacy on the Gaza crisis has been unusually active, and gradually, the intentions behind China’s intervention have become clear. Beijing is attempting to capitalize on the crisis to promote its own power, not just in the Middle East, but in the broader Global South, where the Palestinian cause is widely popular. China’s response demonstrates a changing approach to the region, one intended to leverage Beijing’s influence to upset American policy and promote its own vision for the international order.

In their new report, Fulton and Schuman characterize this change as a shift from “hedging,” maintaining positive relations with regional actors, to “wedging,” attempting to exploit space between the US and its allies and partners in the region. As a result, China, a country once perceived to be of marginal importance to the Middle East, has now become a major regional actor, but whether a more assertive China will encourage regional stability or instability is yet to be seen.  

The discussion will take place virtually. You can also view the event on the Youtube link above, on X (Twitter) or on Facebook. To RSVP, please register via the registration box on this page.