Since the normalisation of political ties in 1939, relations between Saudi Arabia and China have diversified and strengthened. More recently, both China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Saudis “Vision 2030” and “Look East” policies have suggested a degree of complementarity. Over the past decade investment flows have increased more than twentyfold, energy cooperation has diversified and the number of people travelling between the countries has increased significantly; incorporating a growth in tourism, education, business and investment exchanges. As such, the desire and potential for cooperation at an economic level seems almost insatiable. Similarities and shared goals can equally be found within ostensible differences– both nations place their culture and societal structures at the heart of their pursued transformations. From my experience, neither China nor the KSA, wish to shed these traditions, seeking instead to embed them into their societies. Despite this centrality, cultural differences seem to me to be the least understood and the most likely feature to shape and impact future bilateral relations between the KSA and PRC. Equally, given the centrality of tourism to Saudi’s diversification strategy, this is an area warranting far greater attention and understanding.

Perspectives on Sino-Saudi ties within the Kingdom ranged from curiosity to a strong will to build bridges. Noticeably there was also a consistent and encompassing naivety regarding China’s culture, and specifically its domestic approach to Islam and the Middle East. The dominant narrative was unequivocally that investments and bilateral relations are ‘above’ politics and that investors look for opportunities not obstacles or differences. There was also an almost complete unawareness of cultural barriers. Having had a unique opportunity to speak to a hugely diverse range of companies and individuals within Saudi, I feel concern for the sustainability of such an approach and strongly question the accuracy of this narrative.

Identity is pervasive and encompassing. Every Saudi I met was passionate about their desire to achieve the goals set out in Vision 2030, however without shedding or compromising on their belief systems and structures. Meanwhile China to some extent, stands seemingly in direct opposition to these values. Firstly, since the Spring of 2018 China has placed an increased emphasis on promoting the ‘Sinicisation of Islam’, unapologetically removing supposedly Arabic or Middle Eastern influences on Islam in China, simultaneously drawing parallels between so-called ‘Arabicised Islam’ and terrorism and separatism. Secondly, and significant when considered in parallel with this, is the centrality of cultural values to investments by Chinese businesses. Having lived and worked there myself, the importance of ‘guanxi’ (关系/ connections and relationships) is pervasive regardless of the institution and should not be under-estimated. From what I have witnessed, with such a young, curious and well-educated population, Saudi Arabia has the necessary drive to achieve much of its diversification objectives by 2030. However, as it ‘opens-up’ the significance of domestic cultural differences between nations will likely become much harder to separate from international ties and investments. It is therefore paramount that this should not be overlooked.

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I am a first year PhD Candidate at Kings College London. Based in the Lau China Institute I am currently pursuing research into Sino-Saudi relations, with a focus on Chinese policy. Other interest areas include Chinese International Relations, Taiwan, the Middle East, religion and ethnic minority policies. This trip was primarily an opportunity to learn about the Kingdom and grow my understanding of Vision 2030 and how Saudi perceives itself from multiple perspectives, it was truly a worthwhile, educational and overall unforgettable experience.