China’s Foreign Policy towards Iran and Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the foreign policies and strategies of China towards Iran and Saudi Arabia in the current scenario and throws light on the Chinese sponsored confrontation to cooperation process between Iran and Saudi Arabia. China has established historic and friendly relations with Iran and also establishing close ties with Saudi Arabia. China’s growing role as a mediator between Iran and Saudi Arabia is also discussed in this study. China has emerged as a major power and developing industrial state. It has become one of the major petroleum consuming states. To fulfill its energy requirement, it generally relies upon the Middle Eastern region. A peaceful Middle East will not only accomplish its energy desires but also will support the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative projects in this region. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to restore Saudi-Iran diplomatic relations that were cut off after the execution of Shia religious person Sheikh Nimr al Nimr by Saudi government. China has played a crucial role to bring Saudi Arabia and Iran closer after the situation of long-term confrontation. It is recommended that if China succeeded to minimize the US role in Saudi Arabia and keep the Saudi-Iran détente continue, it would not only be useful for Chinese interest but also for the development of the Middle Eastern region.