China-Saudi Arabia Relations Through the‘1+2+3’Cooperation Pattern

2020 marks the 30th anniversary of China-Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations,and over this time the relationship has evolved from one of marginal significance to a comprehensive strategic partnership.As China’s role in the Middle East expands,the partnership with Saudi Arabia will increase in importance.This article analyses the bilateral relationship by using the ‘1+2+3’cooperation pattern as a framework.Introduced during the 2014 China-Arab States Cooperation Forum,this pattern articulates the cooperation priorities Beijing will focus on while engaging with Arab states:energy,trade and investment,infrastructure,nuclear energy,space satellite,and renewable energy.By analysing levels of China-Saudi cooperation through the‘1+2+3’we can determine the relative success of the initiative,anticipate the near-term trajectory of the bilateral relationship,and develop a framework for measuring China’s relations with other key states in the Middle East.