Recently, a peace summit that brought together more than 40 countries, including China, the United States, and Ukraine, was successfully held in Saudi Arabia. The focus of this meeting is on a just and peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, it is worth noting that Russia, as one of the main parties to the conflict, was not invited to this meeting. This exclusion of Russia, whether intentional or unintentional, has attracted widespread attention from the outside world.
It is not for nothing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has chosen to invite China to participate in the summit. China's neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has also played an important role in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. China's mediation capabilities in the Middle East have demonstrated its important role and influence in international affairs.
Saudi interaction with China is not recent. In fact, China's cooperation with Saudi Arabia dates back 30 years, when China provided Saudi Arabia with a self-defense capability. Behind this historic cooperation lies a deep strategic consideration.
In the 80s of the last century, the relationship between China and Saudi Arabia was not close, and there were even differences on some key international issues. But in the global arms market, China has become an important partner for Saudi Arabia. After the United States and the Soviet Union refused to send missiles to Saudi Arabia, the only option for Saudi Arabia became China. This is not only a strategic need for Saudi Arabia, but also an opportunity for China to demonstrate its international influence.
At that time, Saudi King Fahd had to ask China for help for the stability of the country and the security of the people. In 1986, Fahd sent Prince Sultan to China, initially only to test China's attitudes. But to Saudi Arabia's surprise, the Chinese leader not only warmly received Prince Sultan, but also agreed to their request to purchase missiles.
China's keen insight into the international situation has enabled it to anticipate possible Saudi requests in advance. When the Saudi delegation came to China, China was ready to fully accept the Saudi request. This decision not only demonstrates China's diplomatic wisdom, but also strengthens China's position in the international arena.
When Prince Sultan heard that China had accepted Saudi Arabia's request for arms purchases, he was extremely excited and immediately expressed his gratitude to China. He announced that the mission had been completed and that he was ready to return home. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia sent an expert delegation to discuss the details of cooperation with China, which marked a new stage in China-Saudi Arabia relations.
In short, the relationship between China and Saudi Arabia not only reflects Saudi Arabia's strategic considerations in international politics, but also demonstrates China's important position in the international market. This cooperation has become an important milestone in the history of China-Saudi Arabia relations, and has also laid the foundation for future cooperation between the two sides in a wider range of fields.
When a team of Chinese and Saudi experts met in China to discuss the details of military cooperation, Saudi representatives were immediately attracted by the Dongfeng-3 missile, which China had independently developed. This surface-to-surface medium-range missile, with its maximum range of 2,800 kilometers, is obviously an ideal choice for Saudi Arabia, which has a small area. Saudi Arabia's decision to choose the DF-3 missile was based not only on its range, but also on its ability to carry heavy warheads.
After the Saudi experts confirmed the specific model purchased, they returned to the country, and Saudi King Fahd then sent Prince Sultan to China to negotiate the number and number of missiles. In order to ensure the confidentiality of the visit, Prince Sultan arrived in China by means of a multinational transfer.
Initially, the Chinese side estimated the price of the DF-3 missile at about $50 million, but Saudi Arabia's generosity exceeded China's expectations, and it was willing to pay up to $100 million**, almost double the Chinese estimate. In the end, Saudi Arabia decided to buy 36 DF-3 missiles for a staggering $3.6 billion.
In this negotiation, in order to show its sincerity, China made an exception and allowed Prince Sultan to visit China's highly secret ** base and witnessed the launch of the "Dongfeng" missile. In consideration of international peace and stability, China has put forward a condition: China will control the launch rights of the 36 missiles and use them only when Saudi Arabia faces the threat of external force.
After agreeing to this condition, the Saudis suddenly realized that their country lacked professionals to maintain missiles. Due to Saudi Arabia's lack of military-technical research, missiles shipped directly back to China can become useless scrap metal if not properly maintained. As a result, Saudi Arabia decided to invest an additional $15 billion and asked China to send missile experts and technicians to maintain and maintain these missiles in Saudi Arabia for 30 years. Saudi Arabia also hopes that the squadron will assist in escorting the missiles home.
Saudi Arabia's ** procurement plan in China totals nearly $20 billion. For the economically strong Saudis, the investment is almost insignificant and may even be seen as a good deal. Because these missiles will protect Saudi Arabia from foreign aggression in the coming decades, ensure stability, and maintain its own life order unharmed even if the surrounding areas are in flames.
Saudi Arabia, the world's giant in oil resources, has naturally become the object of coveted by many countries. Tensions in the Middle East have never subsided, and Saudi Arabia's relative affluence has become a concern. Against this volatile geopolitical backdrop, Saudi Arabia is eager to strengthen its defense capabilities.
In the face of potential threats from its neighbors, Saudi Arabia realizes that it is essential to have the ability to defend itself. Despite maintaining close diplomatic ties with the United States, Saudi Arabia has been shut out by its trusted ally, the United States, at a critical juncture. This refusal not only undermined Saudi confidence, but also forced it to look for a new military partner.
In the process, China has become a potential partner for Saudi Arabia. China, despite the fact that it was also facing international challenges and external threats at that time, still firmly embarked on the path of self-reliance, successfully developing advanced **, including missiles. This achievement of China not only demonstrates its scientific and technological strength, but also provides new opportunities for cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's final decision to purchase DF-3 missiles from China not only strengthens Saudi Arabia's ability to protect itself, but also marks a new chapter in China-Saudi Arabia relations. The purchase involved not only a huge amount of money, but also a long-term technical support and maintenance cooperation, which further strengthens the cooperation between the two countries.
In addition, the choice to settle these military transactions in the renminbi may seem inconspicuous at the time, but in fact has far-reaching implications. Not only does it challenge the dominance of the US dollar in the international arena, but it also sends a clear signal to the world that the renminbi has the potential to become a major international currency in the future.
This cooperation is not only a military and economic exchange between China and Saudi Arabia, but also a strategic interaction in international politics. On the one hand, Saudi Arabia's move expresses its trust and friendship with China, and on the other hand, it also sends a clear message to the United States: Saudi Arabia's choice should not be ignored.
For China, this cooperation is further confirmation of its long-standing position that the country's development and security depend on its own strength. China has always been committed to the goal of world peace and stability, and by providing assistance to other countries, it is hoped that these countries will also join in the efforts to maintain world peace. Saudi Arabia's cooperation with China has not only strengthened Saudi Arabia's defense capability, but also opened a new window for China to expand its international cooperation and influence.