International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

Looking at the East in the Foreign Policy of Iran and Saudi Arabia; from Essential Strategy to Balance Tactic

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors
Hamid Ahmadinejad 1
Mehdi Shahin 2
Mahdi Zolfaghari 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
3 Associate Professor of International Relations in the Division Asian Studies, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/isj.2025.463706.2188
Abstract
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently prioritized an orientation towards the East, with a particular focus on China posing a significant and influential challenge to the prevailing hegemon, the USA, within the global system. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's foreign policy has substantially shifted towards the East in recent years. In light of the pivotal roles that Iran and Saudi Arabia play in reshaping the regional landscape, this study aims to elucidate the underlying motives and outcomes of their foreign policy tendency towards China. Accordingly, the principal questions addressed in this paper are as follows: What is the logic behind the tendency towards China in the foreign policies of Iran and Saudi Arabia? What have been the outcomes? Based on the symbolic interactionism theory and the descriptive-analytical method, this study indicates that Iran's inclination towards China is an essential strategy driven by the perception of alliance with the East and animosity toward the West. However, the inclination of Saudi Arabia towards China is more of a tactical maneuver. In addition to reviving the attention of the West, this tactical maneuver serves to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s self-help. The short-term outcome of such strategies adopted by Iran and Saudi Arabia was the cessation of their enmity and rapprochement.

Highlights

Introduction

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia are the most significant players in the Middle East, given the multitude of their differences including those pertinent to ideology, religion, language, race, and other dimensions. These states have consistently tried to alter the regional balance in their favor. To this end, these two countries have pursued a variety of strategies. One strategy that has been discussed is the formation of a coalition. For this purpose, the I. R. Iran has identified forming alliances with countries in the East as its main priority in foreign policy. In contrast, Saudi Arabia has historically maintained alliances with the West. In recent years, however, Saudi Arabia has also begun to contemplate a shift in its foreign policy orientation towards the East. The fundamental point of both Iran's and Saudi Arabia's orientation towards the East is the prominent role of China in this approach. China's reliance on oil from the Middle East and its attempts to establish a position in the region to challenge the dominant role of the US have motivated Beijing to seek greater influence in the area. There is a paucity of consensus on the nature and extent of China's presence and influence in the Middle East. Some analysts are positing an overly optimistic scenario in which the growing expansion of Chinese influence will lead to the withdrawal of the US from the region. Nevertheless, some analysts contend that Beijing lacks sufficient leverage to cause meaningful change and exert a dominant influence in the Middle East. Despite the disparate viewpoints, Beijing has established a substantial and pervasive presence in the Middle East in concomitance with its expanding global influence. This study aims to analyze the orientation of Iran and Saudi Arabia towards China and its implications for their respective foreign policies.

 

Methodology

This research used a qualitative approach and a descriptive-analytical methodology. Additionally, the data collection method involved gathering data from both documentary and library sources including written and online materials.

 

Results and Discussion

The bilateral relationship between Iran and China is characterized by a high degree of diplomatic and economic collaborations. This relationship is evident in the numerous interactions between the two countries, e.g., joint economic initiatives, diplomatic engagements, and alignment in regional crises in the Middle East as well as Beijing's support for Iran in the nuclear program and their joint military exercises. In these mutual relations, the most important reason for Iran's inclination towards China can be attributed to two principles, the first of which is the perception of China as a friend of Iran, whereas the second one is the perception of China as a rival or enemy of America (feeling a common threat). Since 2016, a series of high-level diplomatic meetings have been held between Saudi Arabia and China. The meetings constituted the initial phase of a significant development in Saudi relations with China in recent years, culminating in a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Xi Jinping. The convergence of Saudi Arabia's Horizon 2030 Plan and China's Belt and Road Initiative has reinforced the bilateral relationship over time. The transformation of their relations can be analyzed with respect to the self-determination of Saudi Arabia and the balancing of China.

 

Conclusion

According to the numerous issues under discussion, one of the most significant and well-defined differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia was their approach to foreign policy within the international system. Despite the inclination of certain factions within its political landscape towards the West, Iran has a well-established and reliable connection with the East in the context of its foreign policy. In contrast, Saudi Arabia has historically been regarded as a key ally of the West. However, since 2000, particularly in recent years with the ascendance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the House of Al Saud has adopted a more cautious approach to foreign policy, one which is oriented towards the East. Therefore, Iran and Saudi Arabia should comprehend the distinction between this approach to the East, which is based on collaborations with China. The findings of this study indicate that China's approach towards the I.R. Iran is not merely a matter of selecting from a range of alternatives. However, it represents a strategic and binding approach due to the fact that, on the one hand, there is a hostility confrontation emanating from the West, and on the other hand, there is a perception of China as a friend in the face of the West's hostility. Conversely, despite the Saudis' perceived need to expand the scope of their interactions, particularly in economic areas, to achieve the objectives outlined in the 2030 Vision and to attract investment from the US due to the reduction of Saudi Arabia's reliance on the US, China has been positioned as a tactical rather than a strategic partner. In other words, given the differences between Saudi Arabia and its traditional ally, i.e., the US, China's tendency to play a balancing role in filling the gaps in Saudi's foreign policy has also encouraged Saudi's self-help against the US from the perspectives of its friends and enemies.

Keywords
Looking at the East
China
Iran
Saudi Arabia
Symbolic Interactionism

Subjects

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