However, Riyadh found that it was necessary to hold a more balanced position in its international relations and play a more active role in the Arab world. Prince Abdullah became the new Saudi king in August 2005, and since then “has sought to strengthen Saudi relations with European and Asian counterparts and has worked to build and lead an Arab consensus on regional security issues such as Lebanon and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Developing closer relations with China is in line with Saudi geopolitical interest.