Will China Replace America in the Gulf Region? Saudi Chinese Relations and Potential Obstacles

Abstract

ABSTRACT China seems to be replacing America as the powerbroker in the Middle East and the Gulf region while U.S.-ally Saudi Arabia seems to be switching sides. But while Riyadh prefers a non-liberal world order, such as the one China promises, Saudi economic interests remain aligned with America and the West, especially with signs indicating that China’s economy, and therefore power, have peaked, and are unlikely to replace America’s. Saudi Arabia’s bilateral trade and investments with China might suggest that relations between the two sides are deepening, but a closer look shows that such ties remain transactional, and therefore non-durable.