In a recent visit to Riyadh, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took a conciliatory approach, stating that Saudi Arabia was not being pressured to choose between the United States and China. The comments come after tensions between the long-time allies and warming ties between Saudi Arabia and China. Blinken's visit aimed to address these concerns and reaffirm the importance of the US-Saudi partnership.
During a press conference alongside his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Blinken emphasized that the United States supports the humanitarian goals behind Syria's suspension from the Arab League, despite Washington's condemnation of the move. He clarified that the US does not expect anyone to pick sides between the US and China but aims to showcase the benefits of the US partnership.
China has been demonstrating its increasing influence in the Middle East, exemplified by its role in brokering a surprising reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year. This development followed recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and the US over issues such as human rights and oil prices. Moreover, Washington's reduced role in the region has raised questions about its commitment to longstanding allies like Saudi Arabia, which holds the position of the world's largest oil exporter.
Prince Faisal, however, asserted that relations with the US and China are not a zero-sum game for Saudi Arabia. He stressed that multiple partnerships and engagements are possible, citing the US's similar approach. The prince expressed optimism about building a partnership that transcends borders.
In a show of multiple partnerships, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing the stability of the global energy market. Additionally, the Saudi leader hosted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during the same week.
Blinken's visit coincides with a period of shifting alliances in the region following the Saudi-Iran détente, marked by the reopening of Iran's embassy in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has also resumed ties with Syria, and its leader, Bashar al-Assad, attended the Arab League summit last month—the first since the start of Syria's civil war.
While acknowledging differences in opinion regarding Assad, Blinken emphasized the need to address the humanitarian challenges resulting from the Syrian crisis. The US aims to work towards a peace process, prevent the re-emergence of the Islamic State (IS), provide humanitarian aid, and halt the captagon trade. However, the US remains skeptical of Assad's willingness to take the necessary steps.
In an effort to combat IS, the US has pledged $148 million for stabilization efforts in Iraq and Syria and joined Saudi Arabia in urging Western countries to repatriate foreign IS fighters and their relatives. A recent ministerial meeting of the international coalition against IS aimed to raise $601 million for a stabilization fund, with $300 million already pledged.
Prince Faisal expressed disappointment that some wealthy countries have not repatriated citizens who joined IS in Iraq and Syria, calling for them to take responsibility. Blinken echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of repatriation to prevent a potential resurgence of IS. Despite repeated calls, the repatriation process has been slow, with concerns over security threats and domestic political repercussions deterring many countries.
As Blinken's visit concluded, the US reaffirmed its commitment to the US-Saudi partnership and addressed concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia's warming ties with China. The visit also highlighted the importance of addressing the humanitarian challenges in Syria and the need for repatriation of foreign IS fighters. The evolving alliances in the region continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, with multiple partnerships being explored and international cooperation remaining crucial in addressing shared challenges.
