In the wake of the March 2023 Beijing Agreement, China conducted its inaugural assessment of the Saudi Arabia-Iran relationship. This accord, likened to the US-led Abraham Accords for its potential to enhance Middle East peace, marked a pivotal moment in the diplomatic ties between the two Middle Eastern nations.
The rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran, originating from their opposing stances in the conflicts of Yemen and Syria in 2016, led to a diplomatic hiatus. However, after seven years of strained relations and extensive dialogues held in Iraq and Oman in 2021 and 2022, the nations officially reestablished diplomatic ties.
During the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian tripartite committee in Beijing, discussions centered on reopening embassies in Riyadh and Tehran, facilitating ministerial meetings, and encouraging reciprocal visits. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran expressed unwavering commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement.
The Beijing Agreement, grounded in the shared values of a rules-based international order and international security between China and Saudi Arabia, underscores principles of conflict resolution between nations. It reaffirms the enduring commitment of Saudi Arabia and China to norms like non-intervention in the domestic affairs of nations, integral to their partnership since 2006.
Initial hurdles in the Saudi-Iran dialogue included Saudi Arabia's precondition for Iranian withdrawal from Yemen. China played a crucial role in bridging the gap and facilitating a compromise, ultimately leading to the restoration of diplomatic ties between the Gulf nations. Negotiations, as per the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, granted a two-month grace period for goodwill gestures before the formal reinstatement of diplomatic relations, aligning with President Xi Jinping's third term and reinforcing his leadership.
Chinese officials participating in the tripartite committee praised Saudi Arabia and Iran, expressing a commitment to continue playing a constructive role in supporting further steps to strengthen their relations. This diplomatic engagement underscores China's position as a promoter of security and stability, a development and prosperity partner, and an advocate for unity and self-improvement in the Middle East.