- The Saudi Arabian government has taken a significant step towards joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional alliance dominated by China and Russia.
- During a cabinet meeting presided over by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, a memorandum was approved to initiate dialogue with the SCO.
- The decision to pursue membership was reportedly raised during a visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese President Xi Jinping in December of last year.
- The decision comes after Saudi Aramco announced increased investments in China, including a joint venture in northeast China and the acquisition of a stake in a privately owned petrochemical group.
- The growing ties between Riyadh and Beijing have raised concerns in Washington, which sees Chinese influence as a threat to US interests.
Saudi Arabia joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization dialogue partner
