Opinion: Opinion | Saudi Arabia's China Turn Has Begun - After Learning Much The Hard Way
Saudi Arabia is increasingly looking toward China for diplomatic and security support following intensified Houthi attacks on its energy infrastructure. This shift marks a departure from the Kingdom's long-standing reliance on the United States as its primary defense partner.
Why it matters
This geopolitical pivot signals a significant realignment in Middle Eastern power dynamics and energy security, potentially diminishing US influence in the region.
As Houthis intensified their attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this month, Saudis turned first to the US, their defence shield for decades, and then, more interestingly, to China. This kind of attack is unprecedented for the Kingdom. These are not attacks launched merely to unmask or to signal Saudi vulnerability. They have impacted the country's economic lifeline by targeting critical energy facilities.
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