ABSTRACT
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and China suggests (at least for now) that this is an energy–economic partnership not military–political alliance. This book has shown that both Beijing and Riyadh feel that closer Sino-Saudi political relations will lead to great economic benefits. China hopes that closer political relations will lead to greater energy access, larger trade markets and taking advantage of various investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia is hoping that closer political relations will lead to a stable market for its oil exports and greater Chinese investments and assistance in economic development. China views Saudi Arabia not only as a long-term energy source but also as an opportunity to further expand economically. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia sees China as a very important market and expects that China will soon become the first destination for Saudi exports of both crude oil and petrochemical products. Additionally, future initiatives to broaden China–Saudi trade links include the ongoing negotiations with regards to a Free Trade Agreement between China and the GCC countries. However, there have been several hurdles and obstacles that may have slowed the pace of economic relations between China and Saudi Arabia.
