7 May 2023

China, America and the Saudi-Iranian normalisation

The Saudi-Iranian normalisation deal brokered by China has sent shockwaves throughout the region. Regional actors had not expected China to suddenly desire a political role in the Persian Gulf. Others were skeptical of Beijings diplomatic capacity and skills. Few, however, were as surprised as foreign policy hands in Washington - even though it is the United States actions and missteps that inadvertently created both the opportunity for Beijing to mediate and the environment that compelled regional actors to sue for peace.