CIL Visiting Research Associate Professor Jon Truby’s article entitled ‘Sino-Arab Free Trade Agreements, AI Diplomacy, and the Realisation of AI and Sustainability Goals in the Middle East’  has been published by the Asian Journal of Law and Society, (1 2025)

In his article, Dr Truby examines the legal and policy obstacles and opportunities towards securing a Free Trade Agreement between China and Middle Eastern states, addressing two decades of increasing economic relations and trade negotiations. He highlights the evolution of China’s engagement with the Middle East, transitioning from an initial focus on energy security to integrating technological investments, such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy infrastructure into partnerships. These advancements complicate progress towards an FTA but offer avenues for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and economic development. The article also raises key issues, including AI Diplomacy, concerns over technological dependency and trade competition, and analyses legal strategies and international law best practices for developing a model FTA for Arab countries. With a particular focus on recent developments in AI and sustainability partnerships, he provides recommendations to navigate challenges and advance negotiations.

The full version is available online in Open Access (Free to Download) at doi:10.1017/als.2024.39.

This publication is supported by the Centre for International Law at National University of Singapore.