Saudi Arabia and Iran contradiction with China
One issue in common between Saudi and Iran is their economic protectionism towards China.
When Iran signed its strategic partnership with China, Iranian industrialists and merchants voiced their concern about giving China free access to the Iranian market. Due to the fear China will outcompete locals on cost and cause many business to go out of the market. It took a couple of years of discussions to get several projects agreed on after signing the strategic partnership in 2021. Until today, it is not clear what kind of market access Iran has granted for China.
Last week, a Saudi official said the long-awaited Free Trade Zone between Saudi/GCC and China is still being negotiated to ensure nascent Saudi industries remain competitive and can succeed.
The nature of recent Chinese investments in Iran and Saudi suggest both countries are exercising strict channeling of investment towards certain sectors of strategic importance to them. This includes mining, energy, and tech. Access to economic zones was restricted to specialised zones.
While there is a great room for Saudi and Iran trade and investment with China to grow, both countries aspirations to be the regional industrial, commercial, and financial centres will eventually limit China's market access to these markets and regionally.