Relations between China and Saudi Arabia: The Oil Diplomacy

Abstract

In the last 20 years China and Saudi Arabia have strengthened bilateral relations due to the necessity of increasing economic cooperation. The main purpose of this article is to examine the possibilities and limitations of the relation between these two countries. The analysis draws upon a neorealist vision in order to evaluate the manner in which changes in the system affected the relationship between both actors. It is argued that this relationship, far from representing a threat to the regional balance of power where the US is the main guarantor, has, in fact contributed to its maintenance. For this reason, we will likely see, in the future, more cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia, as well as more Chinese participation in the Middle east in general.