The US intelligence agency today (Thursday) released satellite images showing Saudi Arabia producing its own ballistic missiles with the help of China, and that there are large-scale transfers of sensitive ballistic missile technology between Saudi Arabia and China. In addition, a figure discovered by the US intelligence agency in 2019 revealed that the Saudis had indeed purchased ballistic missiles made in China in the past, although they had not produced them themselves so far.
U.S. officials at many U.S. agencies, as well as the National Security Council, were briefed on this a few months ago and updated on President Biden and senior government officials. And Saudi Arabia is a bitter rival, and it is unlikely that Tehran will agree to stop producing ballistic missiles if Saudi Arabia starts producing on its own.
Due to the current tensions between Washington and Beijing, government officials say that “any US response may also be complicated by diplomatic considerations with China, as the Biden administration even seeks to try and innovate some high-priority issues, such as climate and trade between the two countries.” However, it is said in Washington that the relationship between the United States and the United States remains stable and solid: “The two countries are strategic partners and will continue to cooperate in all areas, including the military.”
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