Dr Jin Liangxiang is a research fellow at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. His current research fields are Middle East politics and international relations.
The last decade has seen China becoming increasingly influential in the Middle East, which has caused rounds of discussions about whether the country will fill the vacuum left by the U.S.
Rivalry or competition for geopolitical influence between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been a defining feature of regional tensions for decades – China looks to change that.
The Palestine issue is facing new realities in addition to old problems. Steps must be taken to reverse the current trends, and prevent the issue coming to a head.
As the Iran nuclear deal remains in limbo, American politicians are pointing fingers at China for its supposed role in the stalemate. But a closer look reveals that the real obstacle lies within U.S. domestic politics.
Though ambitious, the visit cannot achieve meaningful, sustainable results as the U.S. has neither the necessary capability nor willingness to get involved substantially in regional affairs.
Given the economic and humanitarian crisis that the Afghan people are suffering, the international community needs to put the politics aside and find ways to provide financial support and necessary assistance.
The U.S. readaptation of its Middle East policy will provide opportunities for regional actors to build security structure via cooperation and coordination.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with the presence of Iran as a key member, is expected to make greater contributions to world peace and common prosperity.
The past couple of weeks has seen the Taliban sweep across Afghanistan, entering the capital Kabul on Aug. 15. Hopefully, Afghanistan will see the Taliban's rule begin after a peaceful transition.