What Saudi Arabia’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation decision means for China’s influence in Middle East
- The kingdom is joining as a dialogue partner weeks after Beijing helped broker a deal to normalise relations with Iran
- Diplomatic observers say the significance of the move should not be overstated, but there is scope for more cooperation in future
Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a dialogue partner may help boost Beijing’s influence in the Middle East, but some analysts have warned the significance of the move should not be overstated.
The Saudi cabinet approved the decision on Tuesday in a move seen as being primarily motivated by economics, but diplomatic observers cautioned that it remained to be seen whether the SCO could help solve the Middle East’s disputes.
Dialogue partners are seen as being on the periphery of the SCO behind full members and observer states, but the Chinese government offered its congratulations to the Saudis on Thursday.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said: “We are ready to strengthen cooperation with the Saudi side within the framework of the SCO to make greater contributions to maintaining regional security and stability and promoting common development.”
“Saudi Arabia’s decision to join the SCO will definitely help China expand its influence in the Middle East,” Zhang Chuchu, an associate professor at Fudan University, said.
