Russia-US Rivalry and Accelerated Geopolitical Change in the Middle East

The Middle East geopolitical landscape is undergoing accelerated transformation, distinguished by Russia-US rivalry and supplemented by Iran-Saudi contest. Divisions among regional camps have become even more distinct in the absence of effective leadership in the Arab world, and the Kurdish factor still plays an important role in the evolution of regional geopolitics despite partial setbacks.

The Belt and Road Initiatives and China＇s Middle East Energy Policy

The paper analyses the roots of the Belt and Road Initiative as well as China＇s Middle East Energy Policy in an age of great transformation. China＇s rapidly progressed economic growth leading to a dramatic increase in China＇s energy demand in recent years. The Middle East countries play a critical role in the international energy markets. Stable relations with the Middle East countries become increasingly important for Chinese energy security, and the continued development. The protection of these relations lies at the core of the Belt and Road Initiative. Within The Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Middle East energy policy proceeds according to the energy cooperation framework known as ＂1＋2＋3＂, which seeks to build a reliable China-Arab strategic cooperative relationship based on long-term friendship. To avoid over dependence on the energy resources of the Middle East, China will also continue to search for other overseas energy sources and protect transportation channels. Despite risks and challenges associated with energy imports from the Middle East, China has cultivated strong relations with states in the region and will develop these economic ties further in the coming years.

EU’S MIDDLE EAST POLICY:ITS ADJUSTMENT AND PREDICAMENT AMID PERSISTENT CHAOS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The European Union(EU)shapes its policy towards the Middle East under the twin impacts of the United States’strategic orientation in the Middle East and the dynamics in the region.However,a series of unilateral actions taken by the Trump administration,including declaring to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action(JCPOA),resuming and keeping increasing sanctions on Iran.

The Influence of Jewish Americans on U. S. Middle East Policy

Ever since the establishment of Israeli statehood in 1948, the United States has been its staunch supporter. This is because of their common beliefs in values, political system and ideology, and America’s interests in the Middle East. However one important factor cannot be ignored., the influence of Jewish Americans’ political forces on U. S. Middle East policy. Since few articles deal with such a topic systematically in China, this essay tries to make a preliminary study on it.

Genesis of the Weiquan Ag-Polymetallic Deposit in East Tianshan, China： Evidence from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and C-H-O-S-Pb Isotope Systematics

The Weiquan Ag-polymetallic deposit is located on the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and in the western segment of the Aqishan-Yamansu arc belt in East Tianshan,northwestern China. Its orebodies, controlled by faults, occur in the lower Carboniferous volcanosedimentary rocks of the Yamansu Formation as irregular veins and lenses. Four stages of mineralization have been recognized on the basis of mineral assemblages, ore fabrics, and crosscutting relationships among the ore veins. Stage I is the skarn stage(garnet + pyroxene), Stage Ⅱ is the retrograde alteration stage(epidote + chlorite + magnetite ± hematite 士 actinolite ± quartz),Stage Ⅲ is the sulfide stage(Ag and Bi minerals + pyrite + chalcopyrite + galena + sphalerite + quartz ± calcite ± tetrahedrite),and Stage IV is the carbonate stage(quartz + calcite ± pyrite). Skarnization,silicification, carbonatization,epidotization,chloritization, sericitization, and actinolitization are the principal types of hydrothermal alteration. LAICP-MS U-Pb dating yielded ages of 326.5±4.5 and 298.5±1.5 Ma for zircons from the tuff and diorite porphyry, respectively. Given that the tuff is wall rock and that the orebodies are cut by a late diorite porphyry dike, the ages of the tuff and the diorite porphyry provide lower and upper time limits on the age of ore formation. The δ13C values of the calcite samples range from-2.5‰ to 2.3‰, the δ18OH2 Oand δDVSMOWvalues of the sulfide stage(Stage Ⅲ) vary from 1.1‰ to 5.2‰ and-111.7‰ to-66.1‰, respectively,and the δ13C, δ18OH2 Oand δDV-SMOWvalues of calcite in one Stage IV sample are 1.5‰,-0.3‰, and-115.6‰, respectively. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopic compositions indicate that the ore-forming fluids evolved gradually from magmatic to meteoric sources. The δ34SV-CDTvalues of the sulfides have a large range from-6.9‰ to 1.4‰, with an average of-2.2‰, indicating a magmatic source, possibly with sedimentary contributions. The206Pb/204Pb,207Pb/204Pb, and208Pb/204Pb ratios of the sulfides are 17.9848-18.2785,15.5188-15.6536, and 37.8125-38.4650, respectively, and one whole-rock sample at Weiquan yields206Pb/204Pb,207Pb/204Pb, and208Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.2060, 15.5674, and 38.0511,respectively. Lead isotopic systems suggest that the ore-forming materials of the Weiquan deposit were derived from a mixed source involving mantle and crustal components. Based on geological features, zircon U-Pb dating, and C-H-OS-Pb isotopic data, it can be concluded that the Weiquan polymetallic deposit is a skarn type that formed in a tectonic setting spanning a period from subduction to post-collision. The ore materials were sourced from magmatic ore-forming fluids that mixed with components derived from host rocks during their ascent, and a gradual mixing with meteoric water took place in the later stages.

Zircon U-Pb chronology, geochemistry and Lu-Hf isotope constraints on genesis of monzonitic granite from Harizha area in eastern section of East Kunlun region

The Harizha area is located in the eastern section of East Kunlun orogenic belt. The petrology, the zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb chronology and the petrogeochemistry of the monzonitic granite in the area were studied. The results show that the formation age of the monzonitic granite in the Harizha area is 237.4±1.4 Ma, which belongs to Middle Triassic. The content of SiO_2 in the rock is 61.29%--63.30%,(K_2O+Na_2O) is 5.41%--5.84%, Al_2O_3 is 14.80%--15.99%, the Mg~# value is 46.33--48.33, and the aluminum saturation index A/CNK is 0.87--0.91. Therefore, it can be concluded that the rock belongs to the I-type granite of quasi-aluminous high potassium Ca-alkaline series. The total REE content of the rock is 118.82×10^(-6)--164.54×10^(-6), and the La/Yb ratios range from 7.77 to 10.13. Meanwhile, the rock does not show obvious Eu anomalies(δEu=0.61--0.75) and is characterized by enrichment of LREE and LILE such as Rb and K, relative depletion of HREE and HFSE such as Nb, Ti and Ta. Zircon Hf isotopic dating exhibits that the average ε_(Hf)(t) is-2.4 and the average of two-stage model age(t_(DM2)) is 1 417 Ma, indicating that the source rocks are mainly crustal materials. It can be concluded from research findings and regional geological structural analysis that the monzonitic granite in the Harizha area originated from partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic mafic lower crust in the later stage of the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean.

Evolution of Middle East's Power Structure

Wang: The U. S. stated purposes of military actions against Iraq are to "overthrow Saddam" and "transform Iraq. " I am afraid such actions would cause a big stir. Tang: I think so. American military actions against Iraq will not only promote the birth of a new Iraq but also change the international relations and military balance in the Middle East. Washington’s revealed intention shows that it hopes to create a democratic and pro-

Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: Is it worth a world panic?

In- 2012 Middle-East respiratory syn-drome coron-avirus(MERS-CoV) was evolved in- the Arabian- Pen-in-sula. Tre-men-dous an-d successful efforts have been- con-ducted to discover the gen-ome structure, epidemiology, clin-ical sign-s, pathogen-esis, diagn-osis an-d an-tiviral therapy. Taphozous perforatus bats are the in-crimin-ated reservoir host and camels are the currently confirmed an-imal lin-ker. The virus resulted in- less than- 1000 in-fected cases an-d 355 deaths. The case fatality rate of the MERS-Co V is high, however, man-y survivors of MERS-CoV in-fection- showed in-apparen-t in-fection-s an-d, in- several cases, multiple co-in-fectin-g agen-ts did exist. Although MERS-CoV appears to be a dan-gerous disease, it is argued here that a full assessmen-t of curren-t kn-owledge about the disease does n-ot suggest that it is a truly scary killer.

The Influence of Christian Nationalism on U.S.Foreign Policy

This paper explores the influence of Christian nationalism on U.S.foreign policy,examining its historical roots,ideological foundations,and contemporary implications.Christian nationalism,an ideology that links Christianity with national identity,has shaped U.S.foreign policy in areas such as religious freedom,Middle East diplomacy,and national security.Through its emphasis on the moral duty to defend Christianity and its promotion of conservative social values,Christian nationalism has affected U.S.relations with countries around the world,particularly in the Middle East and with religious minorities.The paper discusses the complexities and controversies surrounding Christian nationalism,its impact on the U.S.’s global image,and the challenges it poses to religious pluralism.The future of Christian nationalism’s influence on U.S.foreign policy is uncertain,as societal shifts and evolving global dynamics may prompt a reevaluation of its role in shaping America’s international actions.Overall,the paper provides a nuanced analysis of how Christian nationalism has intertwined with U.S.foreign policy and how its influence might evolve in the future.

The Relative Deprivation Theory and Yemen＇s Uprising

The political upheavals in the Arab world during 2011 challenged the political status quo and have irrevocably paved the way toward transformation in the Middle East and North Africa （MENA）, The longstanding structural impediments to equitable growth and social justice afflicting the Arab world came to a head through a combination of persistently poverty, high unemployment, particularly among educated youth, rampant corruption, deficit of democratic governance, and essential freedoms. Yemen is the third country of the Middle Eastern countries which turmoil sparked in. All the uprisings connote of social, political and economic discontent and frustration. The main question and issue of this paper is to answer： What conditions breed change to Yemen？ The paper spotlights ＂relative deprivation＂ of Ted Robert Gurr as the most relevant theory to illustrate roots of the Yemen uprising. Relative deprivation theory holds that instead of an absolute standard deprivation, a gap between expectations and reality leads men to political violence. Therefore, this study is to utilize relative deprivation theory to explain how socio-economic shortages （such as high unemployment and education, along with poverty） and political inefficiencies of the Yemen＇s authoritarian regime led to public and collective discontent and upheaval. The intervened variables such as ＂ethnicity, race, religion, and sexuality＂ and international parameters have not been considered,

Shipping Giant Launches New Line between Tianjin,U.S East Coast

The Grand Alliance group, one of the world＇s shipping giants, has launched a new route betweennorth China＇s port city of Tianjin and the U.S. east coast.

内蒙古中东部玛尼吐组火山岩形成时代及其大地构造环境

玛尼吐组广泛分布在内蒙古中东部地区,长期以来与满克头鄂博组和白音高老组的地质时代被定为晚侏罗世,然而前人在玛尼吐组中发现Nestoriapissovi化石,并认为是早白垩世冀北阶的带化石,同位素年代学结果差异也较大,而且形成的大地构造环境仍然存在争论。因此,笔者对玛尼吐组火山岩进行了同位素年代学分析,并利用全岩成分探讨其形成的大地构造环境。玛尼吐组采集的3个安山岩和粗安岩的锆石U–Pb(LA–ICP–MS)测年结果分别为(142.4±1.4)Ma、(130.0±1.4)Ma和(145.0±1.5)Ma,显示该地区玛尼吐组形成于早白垩世。样品SiO2含量为59.43%~64.73%,Al_(2)O_(3)含量为15.66%~17.19%,K_(2)O含量为2.56%~5.03%,Na_(2)O含量为3.59%~4.53%,全碱含量为6.36%~9.56%;微量元素以富集大离子亲石元素和LREE,亏损Nb、Sr、P和Ti为特征;稀土元素ΣREE=118.71×10^(–6)~189.99×10^(–6),轻重稀土分馏系数(La/Yb)N为8.88~9.58,δEu值为0.66~0.95,Eu负异常,与岛弧火山岩地球化学特征相似。对比大兴安岭西部玛尼吐组西部、中部(~140 Ma)和东部火山岩年龄,笔者认为其玛尼图组火山岩类最老形成于晚侏罗世(~158 Ma),向东逐渐变新为早白垩世(140~130 Ma),这一变化与蒙古–鄂霍次克洋自西向东的闭合及陆块的后碰撞伸展有关。

东昆仑五龙沟金矿田平台岩体岩相学、年代学、地球化学特征及其构造意义

东昆仑五龙沟金矿田东南部出露中三叠世侵入体——平台岩体,为探究古特提斯洋俯冲演化过程提供了新的线索。对平台岩体内的花岗闪长岩开展了详细的岩相学、LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年代学、岩石地球化学和Hf同位素研究。结果表明:平台岩体内的花岗闪长岩主要由斜长石(体积分数为45%~50%)、石英(20%~25%)、钾长石(20%~25%)、角闪石(5%)、黑云母(5%)组成;花岗闪长岩锆石U-Pb加权平均年龄为(247±1)Ma,侵位于中三叠世;主量元素特征显示SiO_(2)含量(质量分数)为64.88%~65.90%,FeO^(T)/MgO平均值为3.70,Fe_(2)O_(3)/FeO平均值为1.48,锆石饱和温度平均值为770℃,因此,花岗闪长岩属于I型花岗岩;球粒陨石标准化稀土元素配分模式表现为轻稀土元素富集、重稀土元素亏损的特征,并具有弱负Eu异常;原始地幔标准化微量元素蛛网图具有富集大离子亲石元素(Cs、Rb、Ba)、亏损高场强元素(Nb、Ta等)的特征;花岗闪长岩的锆石ε_(Hf)(t)值为-4.51~0.64,Hf二阶段模式年龄为1.54~1.22 Ga。综合地球化学特征和区域构造演化,东昆仑五龙沟金矿田平台岩体内的花岗闪长岩源区为陆壳物质,形成于与古特提斯洋俯冲有关的活动大陆边缘环境,进一步表明古特提斯洋在中三叠世时仍处于北向俯冲阶段。

China’s Proposition to Build a Community of Shared Future for Mankind and the Middle East Governance

The proposition to build a community of shared future for mankind is a new concept that the Chinese government has advocated after the 18th National Congress of the CPC,aiming to develop a new structure of international relations and upgrade the global governance model.As a Chinese proposition that reflects China’s wisdom,this concept is based on the long-standing cultural tradition and the advanced Chinese ideological system,representing a new perspective for international cooperation and international order and the new concepts of development,security and civilization.This proposition offers the right direction for the ongoing efforts to improve global governance.The governance in the Middle East is a weak link in global governance,but it is a critical factor for improvement.As a rising power,China is playing an increasingly prominent and constructive role in the Middle East governance.China’s proposition to build a community of shared future for mankind and the“Belt and Road”initiative does not only fit very well in the diverse cultural context of the Middle East,but also support the realistic needs of the people there.The proposition,as well as the initiative,will surely drive the improvement of governance in the Middle East and help the region solve issues hindering development and achieve lasting and universal peace.

Comparative Analysis of China’s Energy Activities in the Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and African oil have now accounted for 70%of China’s total oil imports and will have to be China’s major sources of crude oil imports in the future,which means that Beijing will continue to emphasize its energy requirement activities and to forge closer energy cooperation with both regions.China’s energy activities in the Middle East and Africa have similar trade and investment patterns and also similar risks,the“Oil of Politics”such as the Iranian nuclear crisis and the Sudan/Darfur crisis will be the biggest challenges that Beijing faces in the Middle East and Africa.China’s energy activities in the Middle East are somewhat restrained and moderate,given its limited political influence and the instable geopolitical situations in the region.However,China’s energy requirement activities in Africa by means of energy diplomacy,technological and economic assistance,foreign aid and loans and debt cancellation,have and will continue to expand Beijing’s presence and influence in the region,having different geopolitical implications for Beijing,Africa and the West.

Large-Scale Upheaval in the Middle East and China’s Diplomatic Reactions

Arab countries have been faced with a large scale Middle Eastern upheaval,which has attracted the attention of all the Middle Eastern countries and international community.The current situation is primarily related to the important location of the Middle East.Nearly all the Arab countries are involved in the upheaval.Omnifarious appeals are claimed by the people,including political,economic and social aspects.The problems have been accumulating for years,and the Middle East upheaval in 2011 was an overall outburst of people’s dissatisfaction.The cost of the unrest is high despite the social progress it may promote.At present,a fragile peace is realized in Syria though the prospect of future development is unclear.Since the outbreak of the Middle East upheaval,China has adopted a principle of“non-intervention in other’s internal affairs”and“mediating for peace while promoting talks”policy,which is appropriate and proactive.China should adhere to this practice in the future despite the voices of opposition and temporary misunderstanding.

The Upheaval in the Middle East and China’s Middle East Policy

Due to more than one-year’s upheaval,many Middle Eastern countries experienced regime change,and Syria is the next target and center of this political swirl.The rise of Islamic force is a serious problem for these countries in transition to deal with.Because of this upheaval,the Middle Eastern configuration is facing challenges;the contradiction within regional powers is experiencing growth and decline.The adjustment of America’s Middle East policy has affected the trend of Middle East situation.China’s“non-interference in others’internal affairs”principle gains international society’s interpretation,and China’s diplomacy towards the Middle East is facing important opportunity and enormous challenges.China should seize the opportunity and seek the new development of China-Middle East relations.

From A By-stander to A Constructor:China and the Middle East Security Governance

In the 21st century,Middle East conflicts can generally be classified into four types,namely,conflicts between outside powers and Middle East countries,between Middle East countries themselves,between different political parties and religious sects within a sovereign country,as well as transnational and cross-bordering conflicts.The mode of China’s participation in Middle East security governance includes the political,security and social conflicts.There are three categories of domestic mechanisms in Chinese practice,specifically,the special envoy mechanism by Chinese Foreign Ministry,the procession and peace-keeping mechanisms by Chinese Defense Ministry and the foreign aid mechanism by Chinese Ministry of Commerce.The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum,the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation,the UN and other international organizations constitute the major international regimes for China’s security governance.China’s Middle East security governance creates not only“public goods”for the region,but also a means for China to build constructive great power relations with the US,EU and Russia,among others.The styles of Chinese and Western security governance in the Middle East vary,and the Chinese side places more emphasis on improving the Middle East people’s well-being at the top of the agenda,following“up-bottom”roadmap,and seeking an incremental,consultative,inclusive,and selective governance in the Middle East conflict resolution.

China’s Economic Restructuring and Extension of China’s Middle East Strategy

Joint construction of“the Silk Road Economic Belt”and“the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st Century”is not only the objective requirement of China’s further economic development and its deepening reform and opening policy,especially its national strategy of“opening to the west”,but also a major historical opportunity for the development of the Asia-Europe countries particularly the Middle East countries.While Chinese economy achieved remarkable development,the economy of the Middle Eastern countries ploughed through the turmoil and fighting.From the point of view of the global economy,the economies of China and of the Middle East countries are at different stages of historical development.This kind of difference just reflected the complementarity in their economic cooperation.The two sides ought to grasp this historical opportunity,use complementary advantages and achieve win-win cooperation.With the status of the Middle East in China’s diplomacy being definitely rising,China’s Middle East strategy should grasp four points of emphasis,such as expansion of the international political space,strengthening of national security,promotion of trade and economic cooperation,and enhancing soft power.

On the Strategic Relationship between China and Islamic Countries in the Middle East

The relationship between China and the Islamic countries has been of strategic significance;mutual understanding and mutual respect in their political ties has been the mainstream in the bilateral relationship.Since the founding of new China,their relationship has undergone two phases:from bilateral to multilateral relations and from mainly in the political field to comprehensive ties in the economic and trade,resources,security,culture and other fields.For future development of bilateral relationships,issues such as misjudgment and misunderstanding,trade imbalance and conflicts of interest must be resolved.To do so,strategic significance must be attached to bilateral relationships so as to uplift the strategic position of the Middle East in the overall Chinese diplomacy,establish a Middle East strategy with Chinese characteristics and strengthen China's cultural diplomacy including religious communication with the Islamic countries in the Middle East.