Despite the complicated relationship, the two countries are still dependent on each other. Suggestions of Saudi Arabia reorienting its strategic and security alliances away from the US and towards China, are unlikely to be the case at this point, said Prof Hashemi.
“The fundamental security relationship – the arms and weapons sales relationship … and the larger political relationship that exists between the United States and Saudi Arabia goes back to World War Two, that hasn’t really changed,” he said.
SAUDI-CHINA RELATIONSHIP
The warm welcome was not just a show for the US, added Prof Hashemi.
As Riyadh expands its global alliances beyond longstanding ties with the West, China has much in common with the Saudis in the form of an “authoritarian alliance and a shared worldview”, he said.
“Fundamentally, Saudi Arabia and China have shared values … rooted in authoritarianism, disdain for democracy…” he said.
China is also the kingdom’s top oil customer, biggest trading partner, and a source of increasing investments.
The Saudi state news agency said last week that about US$30 billion worth of agreements will be signed during Mr Xi’s visit, including investments in information technology, cloud services, green energy, construction and other sectors.
Prof Hashemi said a number of economic infrastructure deals can be expected, especially given the crown prince’s aspirations to develop the kingdom into a major tourist destination.
The US is keeping a close watch on the outcome of the visit, with the White House calling this an example of Chinese attempts to exert influence.
Prof Hashemi said that the visit and agreements signed are unlikely to alarm Washington, unless Saudi Arabia starts to indicate closer ties with China on security deals and arms sales.
“If Saudi Arabia decides to start purchasing high-tech Chinese planes or weapons technology, anti-aircraft tanks, then that will deeply concern and set off alarm bells at the White House … (as this) will suggest there’s a fundamental crisis in the US-Saudi relations,” he said.
