China–Saudi Arabia relations
Bilateral relations between China and Saudi Arabia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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China–Saudi Arabia relations (Chinese: 中沙关系, Arabic: العلاقات السعودية الصينية) refers to the current and historical bilateral relationship between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The two governments established official diplomatic relations on 21 July 1990. Prior to the 1990s, bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the PRC did not exist. In 1975, Saudi Arabia refused to recognize the PRC as a country, despite the PRC's desire to establish relations and acceptance of Saudi Arabian policies.[1] Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the countries have had an increasingly warm diplomatic relationship.[2]
China and Saudi Arabia are close and strategic allies and have been increasing cooperation in the energy and financial sectors, the Belt and Road Initiative, and has signed numerous deals across several areas. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman also hinted that China could boost its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East, while stating that "Saudi Arabia is willing to work hard with China to promote global and regional peace, security and prosperity".[3][4] It is said that "oil is the backbone of the relationship", while Saudi Arabia has long relied on China for arms sales, including weapons the former could not acquire from anywhere.[5][6]