Would make sense if the Saudis had lost after 911 and there was recorded history for China to view. China maybe is thinking there is a record of weakness and there is nothing to worry about.
“China maybe is thinking there is a record of weakness and there is nothing to worry about.”
China could also be considering that with the Iraq theater but a minor nuisance at this time, and with the Afghan theater being wound down, the U.S. may be less distracted as concerns it’s strategic interests in Asia, and therefor NOT a good time to test any perceived “weakness”.
I have never been good at reading tea leaves.