China, Saudi Arabia Establish Full Ties
China and Saudi Arabia announced today that they have established full diplomatic relations. It is the first time that Saudi Arabia, an Islamic kingdom, has recognized a Communist nation.
The government of Taiwan promptly announced that it is suspending formal ties with the kingdom.
But the Taipei government added it would continue to consult Saudi Arabia about the future of their relationship “for the sake of national interests.”
In their joint statement in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the foreign ministers of both China and Saudi Arabia said that their countries will exchange ambassadors. Saudi Arabia said it recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the exclusive representative of the Chinese people.
The upgrading of relations is expected to smooth the way for the Saudis to also establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union.
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