“Does anyone here get the sense that the United States is in a serious state of decline? A few months ago the Europeans were discussing a future military cooperation pact that did not include the United States. Now this.”
Clearly the US is crumbling. The Saudis need protection from Iran. They need a strong ally. The US is led by a cabal of inept communists with a demented old crook as their front man. Anyone that would trust their security to the US is out of their mind.
I’m not sure 2024 will save the US. The media is powerful, and pro communist. The public is stone stupid.
Saudi Arabia exports >70% of its oil to Asia. I believe China overtook Japan in 2021 as the largest buyer.
As such, of course Saudi will look to become closer to China - and no doubt China will make some demands on Saudi Arabia as well: perhaps demanding acceptance of Chinese Yuan (not US Dollar) payment, guaranties of supply, mutual trade agreements, etc...