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Iran and Saudi Arabia: a Chinese win-win

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Summary

This article discusses the handshake between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Beijing, which marked a territory that was previously deemed unthinkable. The handshake is seen as the first step towards Tehran-Riyadh relations and is part of a larger Chinese diplomatic coup. It is also seen as an effort by Beijing to promote its Belt and Road Initiative, as well as its other plans for peaceful modernization. Additionally, the article discusses how this move is part of a larger trend of de-dollarization, with China and the UAE having already clinched a gas deal in yuan and ASEAN actively discussing how to bypass the dollar. Ultimately, the article argues that this move represents a geopolitical revolution that is a revolt against the US foreign policy of divide and rule, and could lead to a new monetary system not anchored in fiat money.

Q&As

What does the recent meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Beijing signify?
The recent meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Beijing signifies the burial of trillions of dollars that were spent on dividing and ruling West Asia for over four decades.

How does China benefit from the meeting?
China benefits from the meeting by having its diplomatic finesse demonstrated, as well as its ambition to develop projects in its Belt and Road Initiative corridors.

What are some of the tasks that lie ahead for Iran and Saudi Arabia's relations?
Some of the tasks that lie ahead for Iran and Saudi Arabia's relations include activating previous cooperation deals signed in 1998 and 2001, respecting mutual sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and Saudi Arabia's upcoming trip to Damascus to formally invite President Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League summit in Riyadh next month.

What is the significance of de-dollarization for the countries involved?
The significance of de-dollarization for the countries involved is that it advances the fateful day when the petroyuan will be definitely enshrined, and when the US dollar has been thrown into a death by a thousand cuts spiral.

What role does China's Belt and Road Initiative play in the meeting?
China's Belt and Road Initiative plays a key role in the meeting by providing a connectivity corridor from Central Asia to Iran and then beyond, to the Caucasus and/or Turkey, as well as a Maritime Silk Road through the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. It is also a way for China to develop projects in both corridors and to promote its "peaceful modernization" applied to sustainable development.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an insightful look into the recent diplomatic efforts of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, and how China is playing a key role in this process.

👎 This article overlooks the potential implications of closer Sino-Saudi relations, such as increased Chinese influence in the region and the potential for human rights abuses.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about Iran and Saudi Arabia's recent diplomatic meeting in Beijing, and how it signals a shift in the West Asian geopolitical landscape. It also talks about how China is taking the lead in brokering peace and is utilizing its Belt and Road Initiative to create a Eurasian corridor that will be beneficial to both countries.

Friend: Wow, that's really interesting. It's great to see two countries that were once enemies coming together. It could have long-term implications for the region.

Me: Absolutely. It could also mean the end of the US dominance in the region, since China is becoming a major player in the global economy. This could mean more opportunities for countries in the region to engage in trade and development without having to rely on the US dollar.

Action items

Research the implications of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS+ for West Asia.
Explore the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for sustainable development in the region.
Analyze the impact of de-dollarization on the global economy.

Technical terms

Endpoint: The point at which a process or activity is concluded.
Global War on Terror (GWOT): A military campaign launched by the United States in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): An international agreement on the nuclear program of Iran, reached in 2015 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and a group of world powers: the P5+1 (the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China—plus Germany) and the European Union.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): A regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, except for Iraq.
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): A Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, the creation of which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): A global development strategy adopted by the Chinese government involving infrastructure development and investments in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.
Maritime Silk Road: A component of China's Belt and Road Initiative that focuses on improving the sea routes between China and the rest of the world.
Petroyuan: A unit of currency used to settle oil trades denominated in Chinese yuan instead of the US dollar.
Fiat Money: Money that has no intrinsic value and is used as money because of government regulation or law.