China’s president Xi Jinping has made multiple power moves in the last few months to secure his authority over the Chinese government. In his third presidential term, Xi looks to strengthen relations with China’s allies, particularly Saudi Arabia. The two nations have had a long-standing relationship since the silk trade and have grown stronger.
The relations have exceeded since China emerged as Saudi Arabia’s top trading partner. They have a partner to trade oil and have worked on technology and drones. This partnership has strengthened China’s relationship with the Middle East.
On December 8, 2022, Xi Jinping met with the Crowned Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman. Prince Salman welcomed Xi extravagantly.
The nation of Saudi Arabia has been known not to take any sides in foreign matters, but its current relationship with China concerns many. The United States worries that China’s influence may reach the rest of the world.
According to CNN, “The trip is widely viewed as yet another snub to Washington, which holds grievances toward both states over a number of issues.”
At the conference, the two nations agreed not to interfere with each other’s affairs. This initiative started during the Cold War when Saudi Arabia did not want to take sides between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. While stating this position, Saudi Arabia has been a long-standing ally of the U.S.
The nations signed a partnership that solidified their relationship. China is one of the world’s largest oil buyers, and Saudi Arabia plans to take full advantage of their relationship. Saudi Arabia has already invested $10 billion in refineries and petrochemical complex, which aids in processing chemicals from petroleum.
“This will be the largest and highest-level diplomatic event between China and the Arab world since the founding of the People’s Republic of China,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, told The New York Times.
This alliance will significantly impact Saudi Arabia and benefit both parties. According to the Washington Post, there are rumors of Saudi Arabia considering a currency change. Their current money for trade utilizes the U.S. dollar but is looking to switch to yuan when signing contracts on oil trade.
The implications behind this partnership showcase a shift in the global market. Once an ally of the U.S., Saudi Arabia now turns its attention to the Chinese oil market and has secured a diplomatic relationship with Xi Jinping. For Xi, the partnership signifies China’s emergence in the Middle Eastern world.
