The Influence of the Saudi Factor on the Implementation of the <25-Year Plan between China and Iran>: An Analysis Based on China's Balanced Diplomacy in the Middle East

Abstract

This research, within the broad context of the "25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Plan between China and Iran", conducts an in-depth exploration of Saudi Arabia's attitude and its influencing factors. It also offers a detailed review of the historical thread of China's previous Middle East policies, particularly analyzing China's diplomatic strategic choices between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The article initially systematically examines the origin and strategic significance of the "Belt and Road Initiative", maintaining that it not only conforms to China's long-term policy orientation and cooperation framework in the Middle East but also provides a robust support for the mutually beneficial and win-win development path between China and Iran. Simultaneously, it serves as an important platform for mutual support and joint efforts in the face of strategic pressure from the United States and constitutes a key strategic pivot for China in the Middle East, a region of significant geopolitical significance. Subsequently, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the long-standing hostility and intense geopolitical competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Facing the potential challenge of Saudi Arabia's non-cooperation, China can adopt strategies such as multilateral dialogue mechanisms, deepening regional cooperation frameworks, and flexibly applying diplomatic mediation to promote a delicate balance between Iran and Saudi Arabia, resolve internal regional conflicts, safeguard its core interests, and facilitate overall regional stability and development.