In a high-profile meeting on Sunday, December 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sat down with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh to chart a course for deeper cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Saudi Arabia.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underscored that the Chinese mainland is ready to be Saudi Arabia’s most trustworthy partner in its national revitalization process. He highlighted plans to consolidate traditional energy collaboration while expanding into emerging fields like new energy, artificial intelligence and high-tech industries.
For his part, the crown prince reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to the one-China principle and expressed firm support for the Chinese mainland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while opposing external interference in its internal affairs. He also outlined Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to deepen ties in oil and gas, new energy, AI and advanced technologies.
The two leaders set their sights on key diplomatic milestones in 2026, with Saudi backing for the second China-Arab States Summit and the second China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit set to take place in the Chinese mainland. They also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a China-GCC free trade agreement to unlock fresh economic opportunities across the region.
Highlighting their expanding diplomatic reach, the crown prince thanked the Chinese mainland for its role in promoting the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both sides committed to regular communication and coordination on international and multilateral affairs to inject stabilizing factors into Middle East peace and security.
Wang Yi concluded the talks by extending an invitation to the crown prince to visit the Chinese mainland next year to attend the second China-Arab States Summit, underscoring a shared vision of strengthened ties and mutual growth in an increasingly interconnected world.
As global energy markets evolve and AI reshapes industries, the bolstered partnership between the Chinese mainland and Saudi Arabia signals new opportunities for businesses, travelers and changemakers across both regions.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi: China ready to be Saudi Arabia's most trustworthy partner
cgtn.com
