A Genuine Blend of Statecrafts

Abstract

Power transition in the international order and the position of China in this order have triggered ramifications in China's foreign policy strategy toward the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Its foreign policy approach has evolved from strict non-intervention to an assertive policy at the international level and constructive engagement at the regional level. China has simultaneously been applying both soft and hard power to protect its national interests in MENA. This study aims to assess China's four-pillar MENA policy from the perspective of its smart power strategy by examining its hard power means and soft power tools.

The US-China Rivalry in the Middle East: Confrontation or Competitive Coexistence

“…Looking ahead, China aims to extend its digital footprint in the Middle East through high-tech and technology initiatives rather than traditional industrial projects. Initiatives such as Smart Dubai 2021, Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Program 2030 (Altin, 2022), and the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (Khashoggi, 2016) exemplify this shift. The financial capabilities of Gulf states enable Chinese tech companies to implement cutting-edge solutions on a scale unmatched in other BRI countries (Nowacka, 2023).…”

Note From the Editor

“…Our next two articles focus on China's evolving foreign policy. Altin (2022) analyzes China's smart power strategy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the fifth article this fall. He notes a significant change in China's foreign policy strategy in the region since the NATO airstrikes in Libya in 2011 heralded a shift away from Beijing's previous low‐profile policy.…”