China in the Middle East Crisis: Balancing Power and Interests - Online

7 May 2026 at 14.00 CET 

Associate Professor Hongyan Zhang
IAEE Asia-Oceania Affiliate Leader,
China University of Petroleum

Philip Andrews‑Speed
Senior Research Fellow, 
The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies

Prof. Bin Hu
Tsinghua University

Dr Michal Meidan
Head of China Energy Research, 
China Energy Research Programme, 
The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies 

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is exposing structural vulnerabilities in the global economic system. As regional instability intensifies, the conflict is disrupting international energy markets and reshaping geopolitical alignments.

In this context, China faces a complex strategic balancing act. It continues to uphold its long-standing principle of non-interference, while at the same time calling for ceasefires and promoting diplomatic dialogue.

This webinar provides a critical examination of China’s evolving role in the region. It explores how China is navigating the intersection of its expanding economic presence, energy security priorities, and diplomatic engagement in a rapidly changing environment.

The discussion will focus on the immediate impact of the crisis on China’s strategic and economic interests, as well as the potential long-term implications for the direction of its global strategy.