As US President Donald Trump prepares for a high-profile visit to the Middle East on May 13, China and Saudi Arabia are accelerating efforts to strengthen energy ties—challenging Washington's long-term strategic footing in the region.
Beijing has intensified its footprint in the Gulf Region through major investments in Saudi Arabia's refining and petrochemical sectors, while Riyadh continues to expand its reach in Asia's fast-growing energy markets.
The latest milestone came with the official establishment of the Fujian Sinopec Aramco Refining and Petrochemical Co. on April 28—a joint venture between China's Sinopec and Saudi Aramco, following an earlier investment framework agreement signed on April 9.
Though the partnership's groundwork was laid in 2022, its timing—just days ahead of Trump's scheduled tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE—has drawn renewed attention to the deepening Beijing-Riyadh axis.
Analysts say the move reflects a calculated effort by Saudi Arabia to diversify its global partnerships without severing long-standing ties with Washington. Even so, it has the potential to fundamentally shift global power dynamics.
- US global standing faces pressure
"A weakening of US influence in the Middle East—coupled with China's growing presence—could have long-term strategic implications for American geopolitical interests and global influence," Palash Jain, Middle East oil market specialist at London-based consultancy Facts Global Energy (FGE), told Anadolu.
For Trump, reaffirming ties with Gulf allies is seen as crucial for stabilizing energy markets and curbing oil price volatility.
"His visits to the region are therefore not only symbolically diplomatic but also strategically vital for US economic and energy interests," Jain noted.
While Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a pillar of US policy in the region, its deepening relationship with China presents new complexities as "ties between Riyadh and Beijing could pose a significant challenge to the global dominance of the US and the US dollar," Jain said.
He warned that stronger Sino-Saudi energy ties could pave the way for yuan-denominated oil transactions—a development that would mark a significant shift in the global financial order and potentially challenge the dollar's dominance.
- Saudi balances east and west
Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at the think tank Energy Aspects, emphasized that Riyadh's diversification strategy extends beyond China, with continued investments in US and European markets. "The aim is to secure markets for Saudi crude exports," Bronze said.
While China has become Saudi Arabia's largest oil customer, Bronze added that Riyadh still views its security relationship with the US as essential.
"The focus of President Trump's regional visit will be securing large investment commitments. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $600 billion, and it would not be surprising to see that figure rise, especially considering Trump's half-joking suggestion to raise it to $1 trillion," Bronze added.
- Nuclear energy and security on agenda
Kate Dourian, a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, noted that Saudi Arabia is eager to attract foreign direct investment amid pressure from lower oil revenues. However, its strategic reliance on the US remains unchanged.
"Saudi Arabia values its historic alliance with the US, and the US remains the kingdom's security guarantor. This will not change, even as ties with China strengthen," Dourian said.
According to Dourian, the Trump visit is expected to address a broad range of issues—from Iran's nuclear program and oil market dynamics to Saudi investment pledges and the kingdom's civilian nuclear ambitions.
By Duygu Alhan
Anadolu Agency
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