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China, Saudi Arabia set for closer military ties as sun sets for US in Middle East
- Chinese defence chief in virtual meeting with Saudi side urges joint opposition to ‘hegemonic and bullying practices’, in apparent reference to the US
- Wei Fenghe also hails Saudi Arabia’s ‘strong support’ for policies on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang – all major friction points in US-China ties
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Closer military ties with Saudi Arabia are on the cards for China, which is expanding its presence in the Middle East as US influence wanes.
Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe, meeting the Saudi deputy defence chief via video link, pledged to push forward “practical cooperation [and] strengthening solidarity” between the two armies.
China and Saudi Arabia should “strengthen coordination and jointly oppose hegemonic and bullying practices, to safeguard … the interests of developing countries together”, Wei told Prince Khalid bin Salman, the deputy defence minister of Saudi Arabia, in an apparent reference to the United States.
The Chinese military was keen to “maintain strategic communication and push forward practical cooperation [with the Saudis]”, Wei said, according to a defence ministry readout of Wednesday’s virtual meeting.
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In response, Khalid urged stronger cooperation “to enhance military ties to a higher level”, the readout said.
Wei also acknowledged the Saudis’ “strong support” for Beijing’s policies on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang – all major friction points with the US. Saudi Arabia is a long-standing US ally.
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“China appreciates the strong support given by the Saudi side on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and fully respects Saudi sovereignty and firmly supports [its chosen] development path,” he told Prince Khalid.
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