Saudi Considers Chinese Bid For Nuclear Power Plant, May Derail US Plans

Saudi Arabia is considering a bid from China to build a nuclear power plant in the country’s Eastern Province. This decision could potentially disrupt U.S. plans in Saudi Arabia.

The state-owned China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC) has submitted the bid, but there has been no official response from either CNNC or the governments of China and Saudi Arabia.

Previously, Saudi Arabia had sought cooperation from the U.S. to establish a civilian nuclear program as part of a potential normalization deal with Israel.

However, the U.S. has stated that it would only share nuclear power technology if certain conditions are met to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.

Saudi officials have acknowledged that exploring the Chinese bid is a way to pressure the Biden administration to compromise on its non-proliferation requirements.

The officials have expressed a preference for hiring South Korean state utility Korea Electric Power to build the plant’s reactors, but without agreeing to the proliferation controls that the U.S. typically requires.

If talks with the U.S. fail, Saudi Arabia is prepared to move forward with the Chinese company. China has stated that it will continue to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in civil nuclear energy while adhering to international non-proliferation rules.

Israel has voiced opposition to Saudi Arabia developing a civilian nuclear program as part of any U.S. effort to strengthen Israeli-Saudi relations.

Israel, which is not a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and is believed to possess nuclear weapons, expects to be consulted by the U.S. on any deal that could affect its national security.

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Saudi Arabia has been building closer relations with China, particularly in the energy sector. China is the world’s largest importer of crude oil, while Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter.
The two countries have extensive trade relations, and China is currently involved in building a large solar power station in Saudi Arabia.

Despite its growing ties with China, Saudi Arabia still considers the U.S. its most important security partner and seeks to maintain a balance between the two countries.