1. Strangers to strategic partners: Thirty years of Sino-Saudi relations
- Author:
- Jonathan Fulton
- Publication Date:
- 08-2020
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Over the past three decades, the bilateral relationship has transitioned from one of marginal importance for both countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership, largely on the back of a trade relationship founded on energy. This report begins with a brief historical overview of Sino-Saudi relations, describing how the two countries transitioned from mutual hostility to diplomatic relations, and then how political and economic cooperation strengthened the relationship to the point that they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016. It then discusses how the partnership has developed through the 1+2+3 cooperation pattern, especially through projects linking China’s Digital Silk Road with Saudi vision 2030, as well as nascent levels of security cooperation. It ends with an analysis of the bi- lateral relationship within the context of the US-Sino-Saudi triangle: How does it affect each state’s larger strategic interests, and can issues where their interests diverge put a ceiling on future Sino-Saudi ties?
- Topic:
- Diplomacy, Environment, Politics, Bilateral Relations, Economy, Business, and Energy
- Political Geography:
- China, Middle East, Asia, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf Nations