Chinese State Visit to Saudi Arabia: A Situational Assessment

Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia has potentially monumental implications, particularly compared to the lukewarm reception Biden recently received. Chinese economic relationships will only improve with the Gulf States because of China being an attractive market and its lack of judgement regarding internal affairs. However, the use of the petrodollar will continue in the foreseeable future, although there will certainly be a pushback with Yuan. Finally, despite Chinese ambitions, the U.S. will not be replaced as a security partner by the Gulf States.