On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, host Sophia Yan speaks with China military expert Meia Nouwens to break down Beijing’s strategic calculus in the Middle East, how China benefits from the US getting bogged down in a regional war, and preparations for potential future wartime chokepoints in the Strait of Malacca.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan
Meia Nouwens, senior fellow and China military expert, International Institute for Strategic Studies, @MeiaNouwens
Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast – Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Nominated Podcast of the Year – Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026
Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs – British Podcast Awards 2026
The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 – Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Audio Producer: Max Bower
Video Producer: Peter Shevlin
Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh
Studio Operator: Andy Watson
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey
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