Saudi Arabia has approved a plan to join the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a political, security, and trade alliance consisting of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and four other central Asian nations. The move strengthens Saudi Arabia’s ties with China and Russia while distancing itself further from US interests.
Joining the SCO Takes Saudi Arabia’s Interests Further East
By joining the SCO as a “dialogue partner,” Saudi Arabia becomes the first Arab country to have that status. Joining the bloc takes Saudi Arabia’s interests further east at a time when Beijing is testing out its sway in the Middle East in a potential hit to US influence. Currently, China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner with bilateral trade worth $87.3 billion in 2021.
Diplomatic Ties Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Restored
In recent news, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore their diplomatic ties after seven years of suspension. Both countries announced they planned to exchange diplomatic missions following talks hosted by Beijing. This significant move was greatly appreciated by Chinese President Xi Jinping who hails the easing of tensions in the Middle East.
Strengthening Regional Unity and Cooperation
During the talks hosted by Beijing, Xi expressed that China would “play a major role in strengthening regional unity and cooperation.” Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed “appreciation” for what he said was a Chinese initiative to support the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both countries are preparing to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals.
Aramco Invests Heavily in China
To add to these developments, last year Saudi Aramco announced two deals totaling $10 billion with Chinese firms – one to build a refining and petrochemical complex in Liaoning province and another for a stake in a gas project in Xinjiang province. It is said that China’s growing influence in the Middle East increases its rivalry with the US.
Challenging Western Influence and Diversifying Partners
The move comes as part of Riyadh’s efforts to challenge Western influence in the region. The SCO holds annual summits to discuss economic cooperation and mutual security, usually focusing on terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Recently, China has been deepening its relations with the Gulf region while the US seeks to disengage from the Middle East, which has prompted its Gulf allies to diversify partners.
Promoting Peace and Stability in the Middle East
Chinese President Xi Jinping laid the groundwork for Saudi Arabia joining the SCO during his visit to the kingdom in December 2020. Mr. Xi promised to make further contributions to promote peace and stability in the Middle East during a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, it remains to be seen how this will impact traditional Western allies’ influence in the region.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the China-led security bloc has far-reaching implications for regional politics and global power dynamics. While it strengthens ties with China and Russia, it moves Saudi Arabia further away from US interests. Additionally, Tehran-Riyadh reconciliation facilitated by Beijing indicates that China is gradually emerging as a mediator in regional conflicts, adding fuel to rivalry between Beijing and Washington in the Middle East.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
