Apr 24 2006
“We are in a Catholic marriage with America. But we are also Muslims — we can have more than one wife.”
Quoted from NYT article on China-Saudi relations as Hu is visiting there.
Key points:
1. China needs oil, Saudi needs another partner as Shia and Iran strengthen.
2. China started the courting but now gaining traction: “Chinese diplomats are making their presence felt on the society pages of local newspapers, … University courses in Chinese history and language have become more popular than ever.”
3. Saudi’s displeasure against the U.S.: long wait on visa, conditions on weapons purchases, etc.
Thoughts:
As China is enjoying another new found relationship, do they really appreciate what they are getting into?
The Americans have paid a heavy price–through oil, U.S. is paying for the terrorists it spends so much to root out–and worse, have yet to find a way out.