Saudi Arabia looks to China and India

Some have labeled Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud's tour in January of China and India a strategic shift in the foreign policy of the country, arguing that it heralds a new era. The trip, which also included Malaysia and Pakistan, was strategically significant and may have some important long-term implications.

Saudi Arabia and China improve relations
The fact China was the first destination on the king's list speaks volumes not only about the rising profile of China in global politics, but also about a growing intimacy between the two states. China has been working hard to improve its relations with Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter. The two countries decided in 2004 to hold regular political consultations at the same time as China's state oil company, Sinopec, signed a deal to explore gas in Saudi Arabia's vast Empty Quarter. Abdullah's visit followed Beijing's first formal talks with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in December.

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