Adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign states enabled China to develop better relations with the Gulf countries without establishing formal bilateral diplomatic relations. Pilgrimages made by Chinese Muslims in 1979 provided a channel for China to improve its relations with Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations with China in November 1984 in the hope of having China influence Iran over the question of
a maritime territorial dispute between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.