BRICS Update: Saudi Sign a $50 Billion Deal with CHINA: What’s Next?

The United States has been applying considerable pressure on Saudi Arabia to distance itself from China and other BRICS nations due to concerns over geopolitical and economic issues. The U.S. is particularly focused on preventing the transfer of crucial technology, infrastructure, and data to China, which could potentially threaten U.S. national security and economic interests. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia’s recent actions, including the signing of $50 billion in memorandums of understanding with Chinese financial institutions, suggest a clear intent to strengthen its relationship with China. This development is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce its dependence on oil, aligning with its Vision 2030 initiative. The agreements with Chinese banks aim to enhance two-way capital flows, covering both debt and equity investments, thereby promoting deeper economic integration between the two nations. Specifically, Saudi Arabia’s investments in China saw substantial growth, highlighted by the PIF’s move to sign six major agreements worth $50 billion with leading Chinese financial institutions. These deals were aimed at enhancing bilateral capital flows, supporting investments in various sectors including technology and infrastructure. This follows the previous year’s surge, where investments by Gulf funds in China increased from a modest $100 million to $2.3 billion in 2023, underscoring the rapid intensification of economic ties.