May 21, 2026

The U.S.-China Summit and the Future of the Middle East

Middle East Council

"China's economic model is structurally dependent on weak domestic consumption and large manufacturing surpluses, generating an intrinsic dependence on external demand. The problem with global imbalances is that someone has to absorb these imbalances, which creates an intrinsic push in China's diplomacy toward the Gulf as an alternative absorber, as Western markets— particularly the U.S. market —are becoming more defensive."

Enrico Fardella, ChinaMed Director, took part in a Middle East Council podcast discussing the implications of changing U.S.-China relations for the Gulf countries after Xi-Trump summit.

Watch the full episode here.

With the support of

This project is realized with the support of the Unit for Analysis, Policy Planning and Historical Documentation - Directorate General for Political Affairs and International Security of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in accordance with Article 23 ‒ bis of the Decree of the President of the Italian Republic 18/1967.
The views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views ofthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Published with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation pursuant to art. 23-bis of Presidential Decree 18/1967. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

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