A high-profile visit unfolded as Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping with ceremonial pomp. After three days in Saudi Arabia, the leaders concluded a series of strategic agreements spanning technology, energy, and related sectors. In the face of this growing partnership between two major powers, Washington watched with skepticism as Riyadh charted a path that signaled less reliance on traditional partners.
Xi opened discussions by affirming a trajectory of closer ties with Arab states. The Chinese president pledged that China and the Arab countries would continue advancing cooperation without interference in internal affairs. MBS, as he is popularly known, stressed that Saudi Arabia would resist external interference in its own governance. State media reported that the talks culminated in a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at deepening security and economic collaboration. The visit featured ceremonial displays, including a royal escort and a symbols-filled procession, underscoring the symbolic gravity of the partnership.
Summits with Gulf and Arab States
Saudi leaders engaged with an agenda spanning the Gulf and the wider Arab world, meeting with key figures from oil-rich nations and senior leaders from Arab states. Officials gathered with presidents and prime ministers from Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan, and Palestine among others, in what was described as a momentous diplomatic schedule. Xi’s arrival marked a notable shift in regional diplomacy, especially after a highly scrutinized reception for the U.S. president the prior year. The conversation centered on shared interests, energy strategy, and regional stability.
Saudi Arabia has long been a leading oil supplier to China, with trade accounting for a meaningful portion of Beijing’s energy imports. China, as a major importer of crude oil, relies on partnerships across the Gulf to sustain its vast energy needs. Yet the relationship extends beyond energy exchange. Security and defense accords were discussed, signaling a broader alignment that entrepreneurs and policymakers view as part of a long-term shift away from exclusive reliance on Western partners. For Riyadh and its neighbors, Eastern partnerships offer diversification and a path to transform their economies away from hydrocarbon dependence.
Agreement with Huawei
The discussions also aimed to broaden political collaborations and reduce heavy dependence on any single guarantor of security. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the kingdom seeks greater self-reliance in critical sectors. The meetings produced more than a hundred agreements across energy, information technology, cloud services, public transportation, construction, and other industries. A notable memorandum of understanding with Huawei highlighted ambitions to expand 5G networks and digital infrastructure across the Gulf region. While this move drew attention internationally, it underscored the kingdom’s intent to advance a modern, connected economy.
Official figures for the entire package were not disclosed, but announcements suggested investments on the order of tens of billions of dollars. The moment also conveyed a sense of mutual confidence: Xi welcomed King Salman for future visits, and both sides agreed to meet every two years to reinforce their alliance. Washington observes cautiously, recognizing that while China cannot replace all U.S. influence, it represents a significant and growing complement to Saudi strategies and ambitions. MBS remains vigilant about maintaining leadership on the Arab stage while expanding international partnerships.