This study focuses on the evolution of the Chinese approach to medical diplomacy in the Middle East, its transformation under the influence of the pandemic, and the impact of this policy on Beijing’s bilateral relations with the states of the Middle East. At the beginning of the study, a brief historical overview of the evolution of China's approaches to humanitarian cooperation with the states of the region is given, and the process of establishing cooperation in the 21st century is analyzed as well. The article also reviews the theoretical justifications for the humanitarian track of China's policy. The main part of the work analyzes the process of intensification of the cooperation between the Arab states and China during the years of the coronavirus pandemic. Firstly, by analyzing the assistance provided by the Arab states to China in the initial period of the pandemic, the thesis about the effectiveness of the bilateral cooperation mechanisms is proved. Secondly, an analysis of the assistance provided by China to the Middle Eastern states is made, the specific mechanisms for pursuing Chinese policy and their long-term consequences for both the image and commercial interests of the PRC in the region are described. Lastly, there is a conclusion that that medical diplomacy, which has managed to maintain a balance between humanitarian initiatives and commercial gain, has allowed China to strengthen its position in the Middle East.