China oils a West Asian deal
China mediated the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran recently, demonstrating the confidence of a global power. The declared result commits the two countries to restore full diplomatic relations — after seven years of stalemate — and implement old agreements for expanding ties. If it mitigates long-standing rivalries between the two Gulf giants and ends the horrific war in Yemen, it could impact the larger West Asian region, and extend China’s global clout.
The US, the pre-eminent power in the region for the last five decades, reacted coolly; but the CIA chief’s complaints in Riyadh that the US was “blindsided”, suggest they are worried. India, equally surprised, has been cautious, only approving of diplomacy to resolve differences.
