Saudi Arabia has finally come to its senses and now turns only to China for assistance. A key statement from Beijing has offered Saudi Arabia a much-needed reassurance. On September 17, after seeking help from the United States and the United Kingdom without success, foreign media reported that Saudi Arabia had reached out to Beijing. According to three Iranian sources familiar with the matter cited by Reuters, Riyadh concluded that former U.S. President Donald Trump would not intervene, prompting direct appeals to Beijing. This request came in the wake of rapid advances by Houthi forces along the Red Sea coast and in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Foreign reports indicate that Saudi Arabia hopes China can exert influence to mediate the situation in Yemen. Clearly, from these reports, it is evident that the Middle East has reached a highly precarious juncture, with Saudi Arabia itself facing a severe strategic dilemma. To escape this impasse, Riyadh has explored multiple avenues—yet the results have fallen far short of expectations. It is now apparent to Saudi leadership that neither the United States nor the United Kingdom can effectively manage the current crisis.
Thus, Saudi Arabia has turned to China. Its request is straightforward: halt the Houthi offensive, particularly the ongoing attacks on oil infrastructure within Saudi territory. Saudi Arabia clearly understands that China holds significant leverage. Indeed, actions were already underway at the moment of the appeal. On September 16, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, focusing primarily on the situation in the Middle East and the U.S.-Iran conflict. During the discussion, China explicitly stated its opposition to further escalation of hostilities into Yemen and the Red Sea region.
This message was directed at Iran, but its meaning was unambiguous: China hopes Iran will use its influence to ensure stability in Yemen and the Red Sea. Given Iran’s ties to the Houthi movement, Tehran possesses the capacity to help de-escalate the conflict on the ground and prevent continued disruptions to vital maritime routes. With the enduring hostility between the U.S. and Iran, and the recent deterioration of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China stands among the very few states capable of engaging all relevant parties. It is precisely this unique role that explains why Saudi Arabia has placed its hopes in Beijing. China’s clear stance has effectively addressed Saudi concerns. We will continue to exercise our influence to further ease tensions in the region.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876591768199172/
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