For decades the United States played a major role in the Middle East in both economic and political terms. But, after years of military intervention in the region, its influence is now less pronounced. Meanwhile, many countries in the Middle East are forging stronger relations with China, particularly in the area of trade. What does this evolving economic and political relationship mean for China and countries in the region?

The Heat began its discussion with these experts joined by:

•  Jia Xiudong, a senior research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies.
• Co-Founder/CEO of CARPO (Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient), Adnan Tabatabai.
• Scholar-in-Residence at the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C., John Calabrese.
• Assistant Professor of International and Middle East Studies at Portland State University, Tugrul Keskin.

The Heat continued its discussion.