Saudi Arabia has signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, a country that possesses nuclear weapons. The agreement is widely seen as a step by Riyadh to find new security partners beyond its traditional ties with the United States. The deal mentions that cooperation would include “all military means,” which has raised speculation about whether Saudi Arabia could come under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella.
Growing Strategic Ties Between Riyadh and Islamabad
The pact comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has expressed unease over American security guarantees. Recent conflicts in the region have added to these concerns, pushing Riyadh to seek closer defense arrangements with other powers. For Pakistan, the pact strengthens its long-standing military role in the Middle East while giving it a deeper partnership with a wealthy ally.
This move, however, has introduced a sensitive question for China. Beijing enjoys strong ties with both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, but deeper nuclear cooperation between them would put China in a complicated position.
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China’s Civilian Nuclear Cooperation with Riyadh
China has worked with Saudi Arabia on several civilian nuclear projects for over a decade. These projects are officially intended for peaceful energy purposes, such as building nuclear power plants and exploring uranium resources. Reports have mentioned joint efforts in uranium exploration, uranium-thorium cooperation, and even research into extracting uranium from seawater. A memorandum of understanding on nuclear energy security was also signed earlier this year.
China’s involvement has already drawn scrutiny from the United States, which closely watches nuclear-related activities in the Middle East. Concerns grew in 2020 when reports suggested China was helping Saudi Arabia in producing yellowcake uranium, although Riyadh denied this claim. Still, Saudi officials confirmed cooperation with Beijing in uranium exploration. Later, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia was considering Chinese bids to construct nuclear power facilities.
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Past Saudi missile purchases from China have also triggered US concerns about whether those weapons could carry nuclear warheads. This history means that any new military or nuclear deal involving Riyadh and Beijing attracts global attention.
A Balancing Act for Beijing
The Saudi-Pakistan defense pact complicates Beijing’s role in the region. On one hand, China wants to maintain its image as a responsible global power committed to nuclear non-proliferation. On the other, it has long-term energy and economic interests in Saudi Arabia and strong military cooperation with Pakistan.
Observers note that China has tried to present itself in the Middle East as a peace broker rather than a military backer. This approach was visible when Beijing helped mediate improved relations between Riyadh and Tehran. However, if Saudi Arabia were to move closer to nuclear weapons development—possibly with Pakistan’s support—it could create serious tensions for China’s foreign policy.
China also has to consider the reactions of other regional and global players. A perception that Beijing is backing or indirectly enabling Saudi nuclear ambitions could draw criticism not only from the United States but also from other countries in Asia and the Middle East. It could undermine China’s stated goal of stabilizing global security and avoiding nuclear arms races.
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While Saudi Arabia has insisted in the past that it does not seek nuclear weapons, its leadership has also made it clear that it would not hesitate to match Iran if Tehran developed a nuclear bomb. This position keeps the debate alive about Riyadh’s intentions, particularly after signing a defense pact with a nuclear-armed partner.
For now, the Saudi-Pakistan agreement stands as an important development in regional security. It reflects Riyadh’s search for new defense options, Islamabad’s continuing influence in Middle Eastern security, and Beijing’s growing challenge of balancing its civilian nuclear cooperation with international expectations.
