ASSESSMENTS

In Search of U.S. Concessions, Saudi Arabia Reaches Out to China

Aug 28, 2023 | 21:43 GMT

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is welcomed by Saudi officials upon arriving in Riyadh on June 7, 2023.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is welcomed by Saudi officials upon arriving in Riyadh on June 7, 2023.

(AHMED YOSRI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia's pursuit of uranium enrichment will likely remain a sticking point in U.S.-Saudi-Israel talks, which could push the kingdom to deepen its ties with China, as evidenced by Riyadh's recent talks with Beijing over a potential nuclear plant. According to an Aug. 25 report published by The Wall Street Journal, Saudi officials are considering a Chinese bid to build a civilian nuclear power plant in the kingdom, partially in the hopes of pressuring the White House to grant concessions on Riyadh's nuclear energy goals. The report comes after several Western news outlets reported earlier in August that the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel are negotiating a mega-deal that would see Saudi Arabia recognize Israel in exchange for increased U.S. security guarantees and a civilian nuclear energy deal. U.S. President Joe Biden is also considering a face-to-face meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of...

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