Towards Sustainable China-MENA Relations in the Renewable Energy Sector

China’s role in the renewable energy sector of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expanding. This report by Dr. M. Forough focuses on specific cases of Chinese cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, Turkey, and countries in North Africa (particularly Egypt and Morocco), in order to unpack China’s increasing influence in this area. The study finds that the MENA region has enthusiastically welcomed the rise of China as a global power and that Sino-MENA cooperation in the renewable energy sector is emerging and gaining momentum. Regional actors are slowly but steadily waking up to the environmental and economic urgency of their situation. China is emerging as the go-to option for these countries. Nonetheless, there are certain difficulties that challenge this cooperation. The report concludes with a set of policy recommendations.