US-China rivalry over Saudi

Both parties in awkward alliance see mutual benefits and aim to make inroads in areas the US once took for granted

China's growing unilateralism and Russia's invasion of Ukraine turn Tokyo's pacifism around

With significant and deepening interests in the Middle East, Beijing's growing role in geopolitics is reshaping both the region and China's reputation in global diplomacy, first via Riyadh and Tehran

The West's mistaken belief that the BRI is a play by Beijing to boost its military power clashes with China's principle of peaceful development

Saudi leaders understand that taking sides with any major power can negatively impact its social and economic transformation programme and is pursuing more balanced foreign policies

While there have been some major bumps in the road regarding US-Saudi relations, the basis of the relationship has not changed