The Center for Strategic and International Studies just posted an excellent 20 minute podcast titled "China in the Middle East: Part One" narrated by Jon Alterman and including remarks by several China-Middle East experts.
The podcast concludes that China is not interested in kinetic military engagement or great power competition with the United States in the Middle East. China's focus is on expanding its economic interests. The commentary in the podcast provides a useful juxtaposition vis-à-vis China's engagement in Africa.
