Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a visit to the Middle East, which is taking him to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran. The Middle East is a region of growing importance to China. Not only does China import more than half of its crude oil from this region, but it is also an important link in China's "One Belt and One Road" initiative. To safeguard the stability of the region is also a high priority for China. The year 2015 witnessed China taking up a greater diplomatic role in Middle East affairs.So how do experts analyze the importance of the Chinese president's visit? What potential can all sides tap into to elevate their ties in a comprehensive way? Ni Hao, you're listening to People in the Know, presenting you with insights into the headlines in China, and around the world. PIK spoke to Professor Chen Yiyi, head of Middle Eastern Peace Studies at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Professor Wang Suolao, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies in the School of International Studies at Peking University.