Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed full support for the Makkah Defence Pact, a defence alliance newly agreed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Wang Yi also conveyed China's desire to cooperate with the three countries.
According to CGTN reporting on Sunday (9/8), Wang Yi said such a framework could help find long-term solutions to regional conflicts and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. China's support for the agreement is seen as a significant development amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Experts assess that this move reflects the close relationship between China and the Islamic world, while demonstrating strengthened ties between Beijing and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. China has close military ties with Pakistan, with Islamabad relying on Beijing for weaponry and defence equipment.
International relations expert Imran Khurshid from the Middle East Forum says China is using Pakistan as an entry point into the regional defence landscape. Khurshid added that if the potential "Islamic NATO" alliance being discussed by many countries materialises, China would likely believe they have a larger market for weapon sales.
Under the Saudi-Pakistan joint defence pact signed last year, Islamabad sent China-made JF-17 fighter jets and other defence systems to Riyadh. Khurshid said such agreements create enduring partnerships because they involve long-term commitments regarding maintenance, spare parts, training and logistical support.
Meanwhile, Atlantic Council expert Michael Kugelman said the three countries signing the pact are working hard not to present themselves in a way resembling NATO. Kugelman speculated that Turkey might be able to provide Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with equipment comparable to that offered by China, and at a better price.
