Why Saudi Arabia May Recalibrate Its US Spending Commitments Amid Rising China–America Rivalry
Strategic flexibility, energy policy and regional priorities are shaping Riyadh’s cautious approach to large-scale US pledges
Saudi Arabia is increasingly signalling that it may not fully deliver on previously discussed large-scale spending commitments to the United States, as intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing reshapes global economic and strategic calculations.
Officials and analysts point to a combination of fiscal discipline, shifting investment priorities and geopolitical balancing as reasons why Riyadh is proceeding cautiously rather than locking itself into rigid financial pledges.
At the core of the issue is Saudi Arabia’s desire to preserve strategic autonomy while maintaining strong ties with both major powers.
While the kingdom continues to value its long-standing security and defence relationship with the United States, it has simultaneously expanded economic cooperation with China, now its largest trading partner.
This dual-track approach has made Saudi policymakers wary of commitments that could limit their flexibility or be perceived as taking sides in an increasingly polarised global environment.
Economic considerations also play a role.
Saudi Arabia is managing the immense cost of domestic transformation under Vision 2030, which requires sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, tourism and industrial diversification.
Fluctuating oil revenues and the need to prioritise domestic projects have encouraged a more selective approach to overseas spending, including defence procurement and large investment packages previously floated in discussions with Washington.
Energy policy has further complicated expectations.
Riyadh’s coordination with other oil producers to manage supply and stabilise prices has at times diverged from US preferences, reinforcing the kingdom’s emphasis on sovereign decision-making.
Analysts note that this posture reflects a broader trend of Saudi Arabia acting as an independent global player rather than aligning automatically with any single power bloc.
Despite these recalibrations, Saudi officials have stressed that cooperation with the United States remains robust, particularly in security, technology and trade.
The evolving stance on spending pledges is framed not as a retreat, but as a pragmatic adjustment to a more complex international landscape in which Riyadh seeks to maximise its leverage and long-term interests while navigating the growing rivalry between China and the United States.
Officials and analysts point to a combination of fiscal discipline, shifting investment priorities and geopolitical balancing as reasons why Riyadh is proceeding cautiously rather than locking itself into rigid financial pledges.
At the core of the issue is Saudi Arabia’s desire to preserve strategic autonomy while maintaining strong ties with both major powers.
While the kingdom continues to value its long-standing security and defence relationship with the United States, it has simultaneously expanded economic cooperation with China, now its largest trading partner.
This dual-track approach has made Saudi policymakers wary of commitments that could limit their flexibility or be perceived as taking sides in an increasingly polarised global environment.
Economic considerations also play a role.
Saudi Arabia is managing the immense cost of domestic transformation under Vision 2030, which requires sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, tourism and industrial diversification.
Fluctuating oil revenues and the need to prioritise domestic projects have encouraged a more selective approach to overseas spending, including defence procurement and large investment packages previously floated in discussions with Washington.
Energy policy has further complicated expectations.
Riyadh’s coordination with other oil producers to manage supply and stabilise prices has at times diverged from US preferences, reinforcing the kingdom’s emphasis on sovereign decision-making.
Analysts note that this posture reflects a broader trend of Saudi Arabia acting as an independent global player rather than aligning automatically with any single power bloc.
Despite these recalibrations, Saudi officials have stressed that cooperation with the United States remains robust, particularly in security, technology and trade.
The evolving stance on spending pledges is framed not as a retreat, but as a pragmatic adjustment to a more complex international landscape in which Riyadh seeks to maximise its leverage and long-term interests while navigating the growing rivalry between China and the United States.
