preface
In the middle of nowhere, an eagle is spreading its wings. This is no ordinary bird of prey, but the embodiment of Saudi Arabia, a great power in the Middle East. Its eyes are as sharp as torches, scanning the complex and changing geopolitical landscape around it. However, the eagle seems to be not satisfied with the status quo, and it is eager to acquire an even more powerful "talon" - that is, a powerful missile weapon.
Since the 80s of the last century, this "desert eagle" has embarked on a long journey of pursuit. It first acquired China's DF-3 missiles, as if the newborn eagle had finally grown its claws. Subsequently, it set its sights on the more advanced DF-21, like a fledgling eagle, showing stronger strength in the skies of the Middle East.
Today, the "desert eagle" seems to have even greater ambitions. It is aimed at China's latest test launch of the DF-31AG and even the legendary "king" Dongfeng-41. Does this mean that the eagle is about to acquire a "magic weapon" that can dominate the skies of the Middle East?
Saudi Arabia has always wanted to buy "Dongfeng Express" in a group
The history of Saudi Arabia's missile development is like a drama of ups and downs, which can be roughly divided into three stages, starting with 1987. At that time, Saudi Arabia was like a young eagle that had just learned to fly, and it urgently needed a pair of powerful wings to protect itself. In this ever-changing Middle East arena, Saudi Arabia has chosen China's DF-3 missile as its "first wing".
This decision can be described as earth-shattering, and it has caused the entire Middle East to look sideways at once. Think about it, a single missile can be sold for $100 million, which is not a small amount! Saudi Arabia bought 35 pieces in one go, and this heroic handwriting can't help but make people sigh: it is really a wealthy "desert tyrant"!
With the development of the times, the "wings" of Dongfeng-3 gradually became a little inadequate. The Saudi "eagle" began to look for more powerful weapons. At this time, the DF-21 entered the field of vision of the Saudis. This missile is amazing, with a longer range and higher accuracy, which is simply a qualitative leap. Although Saudi Arabia has kept silent on this matter, international rumors have continued.
Some say Saudi Arabia signed the purchase contract as early as 2003, and others break the news that the United States government acquiesced to the deal. Regardless of the truth, the appearance of the DF-21 has undoubtedly made the wings of the Saudi "eagle" fuller and fly higher and farther in the sky of the Middle East.
And recently, with the news of China's latest test launch of the DF-31AG missile, the "eagle" of Saudi Arabia seems to be ready to move again. The DF-31AG is amazing, with a range of up to 12,000 kilometers and an error of only 100 meters, which is a genuine "intercontinental missile"!
Not to mention the legendary "king" Dongfeng-41, with a range of 15,000 kilometers and a speed of up to Mach 26, it is simply a "superhero" among missiles. Saudi Arabia's state television even broadcast an animated video of the DF-41, which is a truly meaningful action.
Watching the "eagle" of Saudi Arabia grow step by step, from the original "young eagle" to the "eagle" that is eager to soar for nine days, people can't help but feel a lot of emotion. However, in the face of such a powerful weapon, can the Saudis really get their wish? Will China reject this "old patron" because of various considerations?
Why the crazy pursuit of missiles
Saudi Arabia's obsessive pursuit of missiles is like an oasis in the desert, which seems to be abrupt, but in fact contains profound meaning. The motivation behind this is like a complex Arabian tapestry that needs to be carefully interpreted to get a full picture.
The geopolitical situation in the Middle East, a "powder keg", makes Saudi Arabia have to tense its nerves all the time. The military strength of neighboring countries such as Israel and Iran should not be underestimated, and Saudi Arabia needs strong self-protection capabilities. Missiles are like a "golden key" prepared by Saudi Arabia for itself, which can not only open the door to peace, but also become a weapon of deterrence in times of crisis.
As the "big brother" in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is eager to establish an image of a strong country. Possession of advanced missiles is like putting on a majestic suit of armor on the international stage. This will not only impress neighboring countries with Saudi Arabia, but also have a greater say in regional affairs. After all, in this world where strength is king, whoever has the big fist can have the final say.
The allure of technology is like a mirage in the desert, making it irresistible for Saudi Arabia. Keeping up with the trend of world military development can not only enhance the country's strength, but also demonstrate the country's scientific and technological level. For Saudi Arabia, the purchase of advanced missiles is like a shot in the arm for its military strength, which can not only enhance self-confidence, but also win respect in the international military arena.
However, will Saudi Arabia's thirst for missiles trigger a regional arms race? How will other countries respond? What kind of changes will this increase in military strength bring to the Middle East?
The "double-edged sword" of China's missile diplomacy
China's missile diplomacy is like a well-crafted sword, which can reap huge economic benefits while opening up new geopolitical frontiers. However, this sword also has its sharp side, and the slightest mistake can injure itself.
From the point of view of interests, the missile trade is undoubtedly a considerable business. Back then, a DF-3 could be sold for $100 million, and today's DF-31AG may be even more "priceless". These deals will not only bring rich economic benefits to China, but also promote the development of the military industry.
More importantly, through missile diplomacy, China can gain more influence at the world's geopolitical crossroads in the Middle East. It's like making a smart move on the international chessboard, both to contain other powers and to win over more allies.
However, the reverse side of this coin should not be overlooked. Once the advanced missiles are sold, China may face tremendous pressure from the international community. United States, in particular, may jump out and accuse China of "undermining regional stability." This pressure could affect China's international cooperation in other areas. In addition, if missiles fall into the wrong hands or are misused in regional conflicts, they will not only affect the situation in the Middle East, but may also damage China's international image. It's like playing a dangerous "balancing game" that can lead to fire.
In the face of this "double-edged sword", how should China weigh the pros and cons? Will we continue to advance missile diplomacy, or will we converge at the right time? More importantly, how to maximize the potential risks while obtaining benefits?
Future Middle East "Arms Race"
The arms race in the Middle East is like a relay race with no end in sight, and everyone involved is constantly accelerating, for fear of falling one step behind. If Saudi Arabia really obtains such a "magic weapon" as Dongfeng-31AG or Dongfeng-41, it will undoubtedly seize the opportunity in this competition.
Imagine how neighboring countries react when Saudi Arabia's "desert eagle" shows its new "talons"?
Iran may accelerate its own missile development, Israel may seek more advanced anti-missile systems, and other Gulf states may follow Saudi Arabia's lead and seek to buy advanced missiles.
This chain reaction, like dominoes, will fall as one falls and others fall with it, and at the same time, this arms race will also attract great attention from the international community, and the major powers may take the opportunity to strengthen their influence in the Middle East.
United States may increase military support for its allies on the grounds of "maintaining regional stability." Russia may take the opportunity to market its own weapons systems. European countries may express concern about the escalation.
This kind of reaction is like a big chessboard in the Middle East, where all forces are rearranging.
However, the course of this arms race is not entirely predictable. It could exacerbate regional tensions, or it could strike some kind of new equilibrium as a result of checks and balances between the parties. It may stimulate economic development and promote the progress of military science and technology, but it may also increase the financial burden of countries and affect the development of people's livelihood.
epilogue
In this "arms marathon" in the Middle East, we can't help but ask: where is the finish line? Perhaps, the real end point is not who has the most powerful weapons, but who can bring peace and prosperity to this land that has suffered many vicissitudes.
Like an oasis in the desert, peaceful development is the common aspiration of mankind. We need to look at the development of armaments with a rational eye, like tasting a cup of strong tea, which can neither be rushed to drink in one gulp nor allowed to cool. While a modest self-defense capability is important, over-armament can trigger new instability.
Maintaining regional stability is like planting trees in the desert, and it takes long-term effort and patience. Every nation should be the guardian of this oasis, not the arsonist.
Information sources:
Sina Military: Depth: A Brief Discussion on Why Saudi Arabia Buys Dongfeng-21 Missiles to Strike Israel
The Paper: The 90th Anniversary of the Founding of the Army|Dongfeng-31AG: New chassis, unsupported field launch
Sina Military: China's Dongfeng 31AG intercontinental missile debuted with 6 major improvements with a range of more than 10,000 kilometers