Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent three-day visit to Saudi Arabia marks a crucial step in the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen ties with the Saudi government. The visit focused on a wide range of issues, including Iran, Sudan, the Islamic State, regional infrastructure, clean energy, and the potential normalization of Saudi-Israel relations. As the Biden administration seeks to navigate the complex global landscape, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s overtures to China, his stance on Israel, and his delicate balancing act with Russia and Ukraine have captured the attention of US officials.
The visit emphasized the Biden administration’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Saudi Arabia, as Blinken expressed his satisfaction with the work being done and the potential for progress. This display of warmth and partnership is indicative of the administration’s desire to move past the previous tensions that arose when Saudi officials unexpectedly reduced oil production, causing a strain in US-Saudi relations. In realizing the importance of powerful partnerships in the face of competition from China and Russia, US officials recognize the need to maintain relationships with key allies.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been skillfully leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic position at the nexus of global power struggles, energy markets, and Middle East security. The prince and his aides have made it clear that they are not inclined to choose sides in international conflicts, instead opting to be courted by all parties and nurturing strong ties with each. This approach has been evident in recent diplomatic events, such as the reception given to China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and Saudi Arabia’s investment in the PGA Tour, showcasing the kingdom’s growing influence on the world stage.
However, it is the crown prince’s burgeoning relationship with China that has particularly captured the attention of US officials. Observing China’s increasing involvement in the region, the Biden administration is mindful of the shifting dynamics and the need to maintain a certain distance between Saudi Arabia and China. Saudi officials, while acknowledging their extensive economic ties with China as their largest trading partner, emphasize that their robust security partnership with the US remains strong and refreshed on a daily basis. The message is clear: Saudi Arabia is capable of maintaining multiple partnerships and engagements.
In an evolving multipolar reality, both Saudi Arabia and the United States seek to manage their relationship while balancing various regional and international factors. While US officials emphasize the importance of traditional reasons to bolster ties with Saudi Arabia, such as countering Iran and combating terrorism, critics argue that the Biden administration’s approach lacks a strong focus on human rights. The administration’s recent arms sales to Saudi Arabia have drawn criticism from lawmakers who are concerned about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the potential concessions demanded by the crown prince for normalization with Israel.
As the Biden administration seeks to navigate the complexities of global politics, the visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the effort to strengthen US-Saudi ties amidst geopolitical competition. The relationship between the two countries is evolving into a more nuanced dynamic, resembling the way the US engages with its European partners. Both sides acknowledge the importance of security cooperation, but Saudi Arabia is also asserting itself as a significant regional and international player. Ultimately, as the world becomes increasingly multipolar, the US must carefully choose its battles and recognize the value of maintaining strategic partnerships.