Saudi Arabia joins China-led security bloc

Saudi Arabia joins China-led security bloc

SAUDI Arabia’s cabinet approved a decision to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), in a sign of its deepening ties with Beijing.

Founded in 2001, SCO is a political, security, and trade alliance that lists eight members including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and four other central Asian nations.

The original purpose of the Chinese-led security block was to counter Western influence as well as to secure stability and peace in Central Asia.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia approved a memorandum that granted the kingdom the status of a dialogue partner in the SCO.

Becoming a dialogue partner is the first step towards full membership in the regional bloc.

The move comes a few weeks after China brokered a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties after seven years of hostilities.

SCO has expanded rapidly in recent years, with member countries posing a big influence both in the region and internationally, while the organization’s appeal is gaining attention from non-member countries.

China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trade partner, and this week, both countries announced a joint venture of building a multi-billion dollar refinery in the East Asian country capable of supplying two Chinese companies with a combined 690,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

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