<p>Beijing launches diplomatic salvo to woo Gulf leaders and bolster its influence in the region</p><p>China has held a flurry of meetings with Gulf leaders in a sign that Beijing is stepping up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.</p><p>The diplomatic salvo comes before a highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping when the US president is expected to attend the Apec conference in Shenzhen, China, on 18 and 19 November.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/03/trump-iran-middle-east-china-gulf-hormuz-xi-jinping">Continue reading...</a>
World
Trump’s troubles with Iran could open the door to China
<p>Beijing launches diplomatic salvo to woo Gulf leaders and bolster its influence in the region</p><p>China has held a flurry of meetings with Gulf leaders in a sign that Beijing is stepping up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.</p><p>The diplomatic salvo comes before a highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping when the US president is expected to attend the Apec conference in Shenzhen, China, on 18 and 19 November.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/03/trump-iran-middle-east-china-gulf-hormuz-xi-jinping">Continue reading...</a>