China waits in wings as Mecca pact signals Gulf shift away from US security umbrella
The grand security bargain between the United States and Gulf countries is widely perceived to be fraying, creating what analysts see as an opening for Beijing to expand its presence in the region. For decades, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states relied on Washington’s defensive shield, while it in turn relied on them for access, energy and influence. Riyadh’s decision to sign a mutual defence…
The United States and Gulf countries have long relied on a security pact, but a recent agreement in Mecca signals a shift away from that reliance. Saudi Arabia, a key Gulf energy producer, has signed a mutual defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan, mirroring NATO's Article 5. This pact marks a significant move towards independent defense structures among middle powers, with analysts suggesting it could pave the way for China's expansion in the region.
China has already established a strong military presence in Pakistan, supplying weapons and building partnerships through long-term commitments for maintenance and support. This development could potentially complicate India's strategic interests, as Pakistan might invoke the pact's collective defense clause in case of an Indian-Pakistani conflict.
The US has been concerned about the pact's impact on its security presence in the region, particularly after sustained attacks by Iran and Houthi rebels. The oil and gas supply through the Strait of Hormuz has also been disrupted, further highlighting the risks of relying solely on American security guarantees.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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