Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with China through security and diplomatic talks.

Saudi Arabia's cabinet has approved a decision to become a dialogue partner in the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a political, security, and trade alliance that includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and four other central Asian nations as full members. The move strengthens Riyadh's ties with Beijing and takes its interests further east, potentially reducing U.S. influence in the region. Saudi Arabia's interests have long been intertwined with those of leading SCO members China and Russia, with Beijing being Riyadh's largest trading partner.