China inks energy deals with Saudis - Defense and security agreements too

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2006/04/24/2003304288

COOPERATION: Hu Jintao also signed defense and security agreements with Riyadh, which analysts said wanted to show the West, especially the US, it has other options

AP , RIYADH
Monday, Apr 24, 2006,Page 5

Advertising Oil-rich Saudi Arabia and energy-starved China signed defense, security and trade agreements on the first day of Chinese President Hu Jintao's (­JÀAÀÜ) visit, a trip both sides expect will enhance burgeoning relations.

Hu also visited the headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC), the Middle East's largest non-oil industrial company, where he discussed a US$5.3 billion petrochemical project in China in which the Saudis are interested in investing.

Earlier on Saturday, the Chinese leader and King Abdullah oversaw the signing of security, defense, health and trade agreements, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. It did not give details on the deals. snip

Hu's trip comes as Saudi Arabia opens up to Asia's growing economic powers in a bid to find stable markets for its oil, step up its international diplomacy and show the West, particularly the US, that if relations worsen, the kingdom has other alternatives, analysts say.

Saudis say the pressure the US Congress recently exerted to drive away a Dubai-based company poised to operate cargo terminals at several US seaports sent a message to Arab and Muslim investors that they are not welcome in the US.

[oblivious]

1. Saudi leaders saying "We're looking east now. Fewer problems."

This is very significant.

[rodeodance]

2. umm.. now China will protect Saudi Arabia--we really do not have any

other trump cards.