Saudi Arabia's Security Challenges and Implications for “One Belt, One Road” Initiative

Saudi Arabia's Security Challenges and Implications for “One Belt, One Road” Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) represents a platform proposed by China to promote global cooperation, enhance economic governance, and facilitate shared development and prosperity worldwide. As of July 2022, over 150 nations and 32 international organizations had signed more than 200 agreements regarding Belt and Road cooperation. Saudi Arabia constitutes a vital nexus for China's Belt and Road development in West Asia. However, Saudi Arabia's domestic security circumstances, encompassing leadership transitions, complex geopolitics, and terrorism, engender risks that could impede Belt and Road advancement in the West Asian region. Mitigating these challenges through proactive diplomacy and security partnerships will be instrumental as China and Saudi Arabia seek to realize their shared vision for greater connectivity and economic integration. To foster BRI advancement in Saudi Arabia, Chan and Saudi Arabia should strengthen political trust, diversifying economic ties, enhancing counterterrorism cooperation, and shaping a favorable public opinion environment through cultural exchanges. In summary, while Saudi Arabia is a vital BRI partner, mitigating risks through proactive diplomacy and security measures is key.