For years, Washington has implemented a policy of cozying up to the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is controlled by the Sunnis, to combat the "Shia crescent" running from Iran through Iraq and Alawite-ruled Syria to Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon.

Now Saudi Arabia feels abandoned, Li said. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia considers itself the power chief in the region, but Syria, Iraq and Iran are obstacles to dominating the region.

Consequences

Most Chinese observers believe Saudi Arabia's move will not change the major direction of the Middle East, or the function of the UN in the region.

Yin said that Saudi Arabia's decision will not greatly influence any political solution of the Middle East situation. "Want it or not, such an overall orientation of regional conflicts is irreversible," he noted.

"Saudi Arabia's action actually will bring more loss than gain," said Chen with the CIIS.

According to Chen, Saudi Arabia's action at least puts pressure on the UN Security Council, prompting it to more closely consider Riyadh's concern in the region and conduct more practical reforms, though Washington's Middle East policies will not be changed just because of Riyadh's dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, Chen said, Saudi Arabia's rejection of the rotating seat has left a stain on its record in the UN Security Council, which will cost the kingdom when it applies for the seat next time.

Chen stressed that the UN Security Council retains its irreplaceable role in maintaining world peace and security, saying that the UN Security Council's authority will not be influenced by a certain country's critics.

The UN has taken an active response, sending an envoy to the Middle East after Saudi Arabia's rejection.

"I encourage all member states to fully engage with the principal organs of the UN while advancing their efforts to improve their working methods," said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on October 18.

"We also are looking forward to working very closely in addressing many important challenges with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly to bring an end to the war in Syria, to help Palestinian people to achieve a viable State, and to help the current transition in Yemen, and also to extend humanitarian assistance to all the people in need, and to combat terrorism and nuclear proliferation," Ban added.

The UN chief on October 24 called the fighting in Syria the biggest security challenge. "We continue to show what collective action can do. We can do even more. In a world that is more connected, we must be more united," Ban said.

China expressed firm support for the UN, calling for more cooperation between the UN and regional organizations.

China supports the efforts to further deepen cooperation between the UN Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in their common effort to promote peace and development, Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, said on October 21 at a Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations. "The cooperation between the UN, its Security Council and the OIC should be built on coordination and relative advantages so as to complement each other's efforts and form synergy," he said, adding that the cooperation between the UN and the OIC should be guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations.

Li with the CICIR said that due to Riyadh's status in Middle East, it will remain as a major player in regional issues regardless of whether it holds the UN Security Council seat.

According to the UN Charter, if Saudi Arabia discards this seat, another Asian country will fill the position, which is good news for the remaining applicants.

The rotating seat is highly sought after and is certain to find a replacement very soon, Li said, adding that the Security Council's work will not be affected.

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UN Security Council

According to the UN Charter, the 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected by the General Assembly, with five elected in October each year. The remaining five seats belong to the veto-wielding permanent members, namely Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)