Saudi Arabia's pursuit of uranium enrichment will likely remain a sticking point in U.S.-Saudi-Israel talks, which could push the kingdom to deepen its ties with China, as evidenced by Riyadh's recent talks with Beijing over a potential nuclear plant. According to an Aug. 25 report published by The Wall Street Journal, Saudi officials are considering a Chinese bid to build a civilian nuclear power plant in the kingdom, partially in the hopes of pressuring the White House to grant concessions on Riyadh's nuclear energy goals . The report comes after several Western news outlets reported earlier in August that the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel are negotiating a mega-deal that would see Saudi Arabia recognize Israel in exchange for increased U.S. security guarantees and a civilian nuclear energy deal.