President Xi Meets with MBS: What Does This Mean for Iran?

Xi Jinping's three-day visit to Saudi Arabia in December was called a "historic new phase of relations" by Mohammed bin Salman.

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China strengthens ties with Saudi Arabia, highlighting strained relations with Iran, says Middle East expert John Calabrese.

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China's focus on Saudi Arabia and UAE is due to their financial capability to invest in China, but China still values Iran.

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China's alliances in the Middle East are growing, prioritizing strong economic and political stability partnerships, unlike before.

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China and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement outlining their alignment on various issues, which may worsen Sino-Iranian relations.

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China's joint statement with Saudi Arabia on Iran-GCC relations departs from its usual balanced stance, says Scita.

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China may have sided with Saudi/Emirati views due to oil trade, desire for stability in the region, and business interests.

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China's statement was a message of dissatisfaction to Iran. President Raisi saw it as a detriment to their "Look to the East" policy.

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