The Components Based on the Neorealist Theory that Influence China-Saudi Arabia Relations

The developments of the current decade in the region have prompted China and Saudi Arabia, despite the numerous differences (geographical, historical, cultural, religious, and system of government) between them, to utilize each other's capacities in Asia in order to confront the challenges they face. The main objective of this article is to identify the main components and elements influencing and facilitating the China-Saudi Arabia relations in the framework of the neo-realist theory and understand the threats to the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran that result from these relations. This descriptive analytical research used library and documentary resources for data and information collection, and employed the theoretical approach of the balance of power to scrutinize and systematize the scientific observation and research findings. Waltz believes that the balance of power is the fundamental factor controlling the more powerful actors in international relations and allowing the survival of the weaker states. The main question in this study is this:" Based on which components in the framework of the neo-realist theory can the relations between Saudi Arabia and China be explained and evaluated?" The results suggest that systemic development, changes in the units (states), the approaches used by world powers, the necessity of making rational decisions, common sources of threat, common and cumulative sources of power, and achievement of economic, political, and military benefits are the components influencing and facilitating China-Saudi Arabia relations