This is with reference to the report “Great will of China wows Kingdom” (Jan. 20). It is good to see Saudi Arabia and China moving closer to forge a strategic alliance. Saudi policymakers should be commended for taking good decisions in the fast-changing global and regional scenario. This political pragmatism is very important for a country as important as Saudi Arabia.

The interactions between Saudi Arabia and China are not new. These two regions have been in touch since time immemorial. With the advancements in technology, both sides are in a better position to diversify their relations and increase their cooperation in all spheres of life. The best thing about China is that despite being a superpower, it does not believe in interfering in other countries’ affairs. The policy of non-interference makes China stands out among the comity of nations. This is a quality that both Saudi Arabia and China have in common. Saudi Arabia has always stressed the need for resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue. The Kingdom should open its markets to China for investments. This will greatly boost the Saudi economy and help the country diversify its sources of income.

Being leader of the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia should also try to shift the focus of the Muslim countries toward China. In this regard, Pakistan could prove to be very beneficial due to its cordial ties with China. We must not forget that it was Pakistan, which had played a crucial role in helping the United States establish ties with China.