Thu 06 June 2019:
Saudi Arabia has reportedly been developing its ballistic missile program with the help of China, despite its US ally’s efforts to limit missile proliferation in the Middle East. Riyadh has been purchasing technology from Beijing to bolster its arsenal as it seeks to counter Iran, according to a report by CNN. The US, but not China, is part of a 1987 pact of nations that restricts missile exports, but Saudi has been keen to preserve an edge over its foe, which manufactures its own missiles. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had said during a trip to the US in March that if Iran developed a nuclear weapon his country would “follow suit as soon as possible”.
The revelation has prompted concerns of a potential arms race in the region. Sources told CNN that the missile advancement could mark another step in potential Saudi efforts to one day deliver a nuclear warhead were it ever to obtain one. According to the report, when US intelligence first became aware of the cooperation it kept it quiet amid a political row at home between the Trump administration and Congress. This week US senators across the aisle on moved to block President Donald Trump’s plan to sell $8.1 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies.
The Trump administration last month said it would use emergency powers to defy Congress and provide munitions, aircraft maintenance and other military components to Saudi along with the United Arab Emirates. The move infuriated lawmakers who believe the weapons could be used to kill civilians in war-ravaged Yemen, where the Saudis and Emiratis lead a coalition supporting pro-government forces, and millions of residents are at risk of starvation.
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