China helps Saudi Arabia expand Ballistic Missile program, claims U.S. Intelligence
Riyadh — The U.S. intelligence has recently indicated that Saudi Arabia has expanded both its ballistic missile infrastructure and technology with the help of China, it was reported exclusively by CNN on June 6.
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told a press conference in Beijing on Jun 6 that this cooperation did not violate any international law.
“As comprehensive strategic partners, China and Saudi Arabia maintain friendly cooperation in various fields, which includes arms trade. Our cooperation is not in violation of international law and does not involve WMDs”, said Shuang.
According to the news published by Saudi Arabia’s national newspaper Saudi Gazette on June 6 that this development threatens decades of US efforts to limit missile proliferation in the Middle East.
But the Trump administration did not initially disclose its knowledge of this classified development to key members of Congress.
In recent years, China and Saudi Arabia have been increasing cooperation in the energy and financial sectors, One Belt One Road Initiative, and has signed numerous deals across several areas. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman also hinted that China could boost its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East.
