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Saudi Arabia used containers in cash and spent $3.5 billion to buy 35 Dongfeng missiles, which was considered cheap afterwards
Secrets in Containers: The Story Behind $3.5 Billion and 35 Dongfeng Missiles
The story begins with a mysterious shipping container. In 1987, it was secretly shipped from Saudi Arabia to China with $3.5 billion in cash. The destination of this huge amount of money was China's most advanced ballistic missile at the time, the DF-3. The arms deal, which took place at the end of the Cold War, was like a gust of wind in the desert and quickly changed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
1. Money and Missiles: A Deal That Changed the Landscape of the Middle East
In 1987, the Iran-Iraq war filled the skies over the Middle East. Saddam's ambitions are growing, Kuwait is in jeopardy, and Saudi Arabia feels threatened like never before. In order to protect themselves, the Saudis have set their sights on the East – a country with which they have not yet formally established diplomatic relations: China.
Saudi Arabia sent Prince Sultan to visit China secretly with a huge budget of $8 billion, just to buy China's Dongfeng-3 missiles. At that time, China was in the early stages of reform and opening up, and foreign exchange reserves were scarce, and this deal was undoubtedly a huge temptation. After some weighing, China finally agreed to sell 35 DF-3 missiles for $100 million each, for a total price of $3.5 billion.
The deal was a big gamble for both parties. For Saudi Arabia, this is a desperate move to protect itself; For China, this is a bold attempt in a complex international situation.
2. Mysterious details: the clues hidden behind the transaction
The deal is full of mystery. First of all, the transaction process was highly secretive, from the negotiations to the delivery of missiles, all out of the public eye. Second, the determination of the price seems rather arbitrary. China's initial tentative offer of 100 million yuan was misinterpreted by Saudi Arabia as $100 million, and the final transaction price was as high as $3.5 billion. Whether there is information asymmetry or other factors in this is still a mystery.
In addition, Saudi Arabia's urgency is also intriguing. They budgeted $8 billion, and in the end they spent only $3.5 billion to buy the coveted missile, and afterwards even felt that it was "too cost-effective". This rush to achieve results may also reflect the huge security pressure faced by Saudi Arabia at that time.
3. Far-reaching implications: Dongfeng missiles and peace in the Middle East
The arrival of the DF-3 missile has completely changed the strategic balance in the Middle East. Saddam's expansionist ambitions were effectively curbed, and Saudi Arabia thus avoided the direct impact of the Gulf War. These missiles have become Saudi Arabia's "national treasure" and a strategic deterrent for maintaining regional peace.
More importantly, the deal paves the way for the normalization of relations between China and Saudi Arabia. In 1990, China and Saudi Arabia formally established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. This is not only an economic reciprocity, but also a major shift in the geopolitical landscape.
In-depth analysis and reflection:
The Power of Money:
The deal highlights the important role of money in international relations. The huge sum of 3.5 billion US dollars not only brought valuable foreign exchange to China, but also bought security for Saudi Arabia.
The choice between life and death:
Saudi Arabia's purchase of Dongfeng missiles is a choice of life and death. This reflects the centrality of national security in national interests.
Comparison of strengths:
The emergence of the DF-3 missile has broken the original military power balance in the Middle East and also demonstrated the rise of China's military strength.
Transitions and Opportunities:
The deal was a turning point in Sino-Saudi Arabian relations and created opportunities for future cooperation between the two countries.
Stimulus & Response:
Saddam's expansionist ambitions stimulated a sense of crisis in the Saudis, prompting them to seek support from outside forces.
Case Study:
The case of Saudi Arabia's purchase of Dongfeng missiles can be compared with cases of other countries upgrading their defense capabilities through arms purchases, such as India's purchase of Russia's S-400 air defense missile system. All these cases show that arms procurement is an important means for the state to maintain its own security.
Multi-Perspective Discussion:
From the Saudi perspective:
The purchase of Dongfeng missiles is a necessary move to safeguard national security.
From China's perspective:
The sale of Dongfeng missiles can not only gain economic benefits, but also enhance international influence.
From the perspective of regional security:
The emergence of the Dongfeng missile has changed the strategic pattern of the Middle East and has had a far-reaching impact on regional peace.
Question Guidance:
If Saudi Arabia had not purchased Dongfeng missiles, how would the situation in the Middle East develop?
What impact does this deal have on the future of China-Saudi relations?
In today's world, what role do arms sales play in international relations and regional security?
This arms deal, which took place more than 30 years ago, is still worth pondering. It's not just about money and weapons, it's about the complex game of national security, geopolitics and international relations. Readers, what do you think about this? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area and discuss with us.
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