Saudi Arabia Contemplates Chinese Bid for Nuclear Plant, Straining US Influence in the Region

 Saudi Arabia Considers Chinese Bid for Nuclear Power Plant, Challenging US Influence Saudi Arabia is exploring a proposal from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to construct a nuclear power plant near its border with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to unnamed Saudi officials cited by the Wall Street Journal. The move is seen as a bid to push the Biden administration to relax its conditions for supporting the kingdom's nascent nuclear industry, which include restrictions on uranium enrichment and mining. Unlike the US, China is unlikely to impose such requirements, raising concerns among US officials about China's deepening ties with Saudi Arabia. The potential deal comes amid growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China in recent years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the kingdom in December, and the two countries announced $10 billion worth of investment deals during a business summit in Riyadh. China, as the world's largest energy consumer, has been actively seeking to export its nuclear energy industry, and it has intensified its diplomatic presence in the Middle East, including brokering a deal earlier this year to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia, one of the world's major oil producers, has long been exploring the development of a domestic nuclear energy industry to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

While the Saudi officials expressed a preference for involving South Korean state utility Korea Electric Power to build the plant's reactors and leverage US operational expertise, they are willing to proceed with the Chinese bid if talks with the US fail. The decision could potentially hinder US plans in the kingdom, as Saudi Arabia has previously sought US cooperation in establishing a civilian nuclear program.

However, Israel has voiced opposition to Saudi Arabia developing a civilian nuclear program as part of any US effort to foster closer Israeli-Saudi relations. Israel, which is not a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, expects to be consulted by the US on any agreement that affects its national security. Saudi Arabia is striving to maintain a balance between its relationships with China and the US, with the latter remaining its primary security partner. Nonetheless, the potential nuclear deal with China highlights the kingdom's growing frustration with the US's stipulations, signaling a shifting dynamic in the region's nuclear power landscape.