The Saudi Variable in Chinese-Iranian Relations

Objectives: The research aims to highlight a geohistorical study of Saudi-Chinese relations and their historical contentAdditionally, it seeks to emphasize the role and impact of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a variable in Sino-Iranian relations, especially in light of the sectarian, ideological and geopolitical conflict in the Middle East region in general and the Arab region in particular. Methods: The study followed the historical method to analyze the history of Saudi-Iranian relations, as it is considered the closest approach to political geography, geopolitics, and international relations studies. Additionally, the inductive method was used to track positions, statistics, official data, and others. The descriptive method and analytical approach were also relied upon to prove the research hypothesis. Results: The results showed that Saudi Arabia had a direct impact as an obstacle in Sino-Iranian relations. The Saudi influence in Sino-Iranian relations forms a regional strategic triangle in the Arabian Gulf region, with its two sides being the regional powers (Saudi Arabia and Iran) and the third side being China as an emerging global power. Saudi Arabia affects China's relationship with Iran on different levels, including: (the bilateral relations between China and Iran by preventing China's entry into the Gulf region through the Iranian gateway), (the global competition between China and the United States), and (the regional competition and sectarian, ideological, and geopolitical conflict). This conflict has long-term implications for the countries of the region, especially since the conflict has taken on a religious dimension between the two states and among the Arab countries. Conclusions: The relationship between China and Iran has raised concerns among traditional Arab powers, particularly Saudi Arabia, especially with China's entry into the Arabian Gulf via Iran. Saudi Arabia has played a role as a variable in the existing relations between China and Iran through its foreign policy as a regional power. The geopolitical competition and the ideological and identity conflict have played a significant role in the ongoing conflict between the two countries, especially following the outbreak of the revolution in Iran in 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic in the country.