Gulf In Focus - China is getting comfortable with the Gulf Cooperation council.

The People's Republic of China's (PRC) expanding political and economic footprint has been welcomed by the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region-so far.

Beijing's brokering of the recent Saudi Arabia-Iran agreement was borne out of necessity and opportunity. The countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are of critical importance to China's energy security needs, while Beijing feels increasingly sure-footed in its regional diplomacy.

Still, as other great powers have learned the hard way, navigating the region's contentious politics will prove difficult, as Beijing's regional role is subject to key uncertainties. While China's 'no questions asked' approach to...