Saudi Arabia Considers Chinese Nuclear Plant Bid Amid US Stipulations

Saudi Arabia is contemplating a Chinese proposal to construct a nuclear power plant within the kingdom due to frustrations with the United States' conditions for supporting the kingdom's nuclear ambitions, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), a state-owned entity, has suggested building a nuclear facility near the border with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to unnamed Saudi officials cited by the newspaper.

Saudi officials anticipate that the Chinese bid may compel the administration of US President Joe Biden to relax its requirements for assisting Saudi Arabia's emerging nuclear industry. These requirements include commitments not to engage in uranium enrichment or mining uranium deposits, as detailed by the newspaper.

It is unlikely that China would impose such conditions on Riyadh, as they are primarily aimed at preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the newspaper noted.