As President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping trade greetings — and pandas! — at Xi’s first visit to the White House in more than a decade, MBN takes a look behind the scenes. Trump touted their friendship in his speech, while Xi made an effort to keep the relationship positive rather than confrontational. In the coming days China will be gifting two giant pandas to the Atlanta zoo as an “envoy of friendship.”
Underneath the goodwill gestures, the U.S.-Chinese rivalry continues in the Middle East, with China pushing to expand its influence beyond trade. We also watch for Iraq’s decision to delay the disarmament of militias, and why Washington is betting against another war with the Houthis. Plus, a look beneath the surface at Iran’s potential new war front: undersea Internet cables?
Welcome back to the MBN Friday Briefing, our roundup of the best stories on our Arabic-language Alhurra platform, also available in English. Read the Arabic version here and subscribe here. We’d love to hear from you at thebriefing@mbn-news.com.
This Week on MBN
Trump-Xi: Keep the Show Going
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together. Reuters / Evan Vucci.
Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Washington is highlighting the importance of keeping the U.S.-China ties from sliding into a deeper confrontation. Trade, Taiwan and the race over AI and advanced technology remain the biggest pressure points between the two powers. Both sides have plenty of ways to escalate tensions, writes Vivian Lee, but neither appears eager to push the relationship toward a rupture. For the Middle East, Washington is watching closely to see whether Beijing will use its ties with Iran to encourage a settlement. The visit is unlikely to produce a sweeping breakthrough; instead, the focus is on managing tensions and keeping the dialogue alive.
Read the article here
China Takes Its Middle East Influence Beyond Trade
A Chinese military display at Iraq’s defense exhibition in Baghdad. Reuters.
China has built strong economic ties with Iraq, especially through oil, infrastructure and consumer goods. But when it comes to culture and entertainment, American and Western influence in the Middle East remains much stronger. But China is trying to change that through its new film, Welcome to the Dragon Restaurant, writes David Gheorghiu. The movie presents China as a country that promotes business, peace and human connections rather than war.
Read the article here
MBN’s Great Powers Index
MBN has launched the Great Powers Index, tracking U.S. and Chinese influence across five key areas: military, economy, technology, soft power and diplomacy. Military and economic engagement receive the greatest weight, followed by technology, soft power and diplomacy. Take a look at each state’s “Leaning Score” and how Iran and Israel sit on opposite ends in relationship to the U.S.
Explore the index here
Iraq Delays Militia Disarmament
A member of the Iraqi security forces is pictured at an empty street in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov.20, 2024. Reuters / Ahmed Saad.
Iraq has agreed with Tehran-aligned armed factions on a phased plan to bring their weapons under state control, extending the process through June 2027 rather than meeting the earlier Sept. 30 deadline. The first phase will restrict the factions’ military activity, while the second will involve handing over heavier weapons and integrating some fighters into state forces, writes Mustafa Saadoon. The U.S. has pressed Baghdad for real and concrete steps to bring these weapons under government control and dismantle armed groups operating outside the state’s authority.
Read the article here
Trump’s Houthi Gamble
Houthi military parade in Sana’a, Yemen Sept. 21, 2023, Mohammed Hamoud / Getty Images.
The Trump administration chose not to open a new war with the Houthis in Yemen, writes Munqith Dagher in his MBN Magazine piece. He argues that Washington sees the Houthi offensive as a trap designed to pull U.S. forces into another costly conflict. Iran is using the Houthis to pressure the U.S., protect its interests and gain leverage in future negotiations, according to Dagher. For Washington, a new military campaign could stretch its forces further and carry political costs ahead of the midterm elections. Dagher concludes that Trump is betting on continued economic and military pressure on Iran rather than getting drawn into another front.
Read the article here
Iran’s New Undersea Front
An operator works during the installation of an undersea fiber-optic cable / AFP.
Undersea internet cables could become a new pressure point in the conflict with Iran, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. Reports suggest Iran may have considered targeting these cables, though neither the U.S. nor Iran has confirmed such plans. The cables are highly vulnerable and repairing them could take time because of security and logistical challenges, writes Alexis Thomas. Some experts see signs of a possible Iranian shift toward targeting digital infrastructure, while others say the evidence remains limited.
Read the article here
Quote of the Week: Elusive Settlement
I think that a settlement is going to be reached. They want to talk to us. They have been talking to us. Even today, they’ve been talking to us. And the relationship is developing.
–U.S. President Donald Trump about talks with Iran, Sept. 22, 2026
