China's Saudi drone factory compensates for US ban

[TomSea]

China's Saudi drone factory compensates for US ban
Long-time US ally looks east to develop drone arsenal as part of $60bn package also including agreement to co-operate on moon mission

China has struck a surprise deal to manufacture military drones at a factory in Saudi Arabia.

It forms part of a suite of agreements totalling $60bn agreed during King Salman's visit to the country last month that will also see the two countries develop oil refineries and co-operate on China’s Chang E-4 moon mission.

The deal comes as Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours continue an unprecedented rush for arms to cope with what they see as a number of counter-terrorism threats across the region.

Continued: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/china-build-factory-saudi-arabia-fill-drone-shortage-1200657135

There would be plenty of suitors for Saudi Arabia if the US stiffed the country.