Saudi Arabia and China: demonstration of a new partnership

Chinese Prime Minister Xi’s state visit to Saudi Arabia is not just about oil. Above all, it is about sending a signal to the USA that new geopolitical partners have been found.

A pompous reception at the airport, fighter pilots painted the Chinese colors red and yellow in the sky. Xi Jinping is a welcome guest in Saudi Arabia.

For one of his first trips after the corona pandemic, the Chinese head of state chose the oil-rich country on the Gulf. For two reasons, observers say.

Firstly, there are economic interests, especially energy. The two countries are close trading partners, and Riyadh is one of Beijing’s most important oil suppliers. The People’s Republic is the largest energy consumer in the world and wants to secure future energy supplies from the Gulf region. As is so often the case, the main topic is oil.

Saudi Arabia is reorienting itself

But there is more to the meeting than just the economy: it is about sending a signal to the world, especially to the USA, that new geopolitical partners have been found. Xi knew he was welcome in Saudi Arabia, assured of the red – or in this case fluffy purple – carpet.

Saudi Arabia, actually a close ally of the USA, is reorienting itself a bit on the world map. The rulers in the Gulf are frustrated by America’s gradual withdrawal from the Middle East and see their own security guarantees under threat.

Frustrated by western criticism

They are offended by the sharp criticism from the USA after OPEC’s decision to throttle oil production and thus keep energy and gasoline prices high in America, which caused US President Biden into trouble domestically.

The Saudis are also annoyed by the constant warnings from Western leaders about human rights, especially after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Profit primary goal

Frustrated, offended, annoyed – the Saudis are tired of being the bogeyman internationally. And the Chinese aren’t. With the Chinese head of state Xi Jinping and the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, two people who obviously understand each other in the tense world situation are meeting.

Both countries are following the same line in many areas: Doing business with all sides, whether with Russia or the USA, is the policy in Riyadh and Beijing. Maximizing your own profit is the ultimate goal.

brothers in spirit

Hence the direction on both sides not to make any ambitious commitments in terms of climate protection. China and Saudi Arabia were considered the big blockers at this year’s world climate conference.

And domestically they understand each other so far: make no concessions to government critics, rule with an iron fist. Especially when it comes to human rights, China and Saudi Arabia are brothers in spirit.