CNN
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly set to arrive in Saudi Arabia as a state guest amid heightened tensions between the United States and the two countries. Official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The SPA said Xi’s visit to Riyadh began on Wednesday and included “Saudi Arabia-China summits,” China-Arab summits, and China-GCC summits, where “prospects for economic and development cooperation were discussed. ‘, he said.
At least 14 Arab heads of state are expected to attend the China-Arab summit, according to an Arab diplomatic source who described the visit to CNN as a “milestone” in Arab-China relations.
Following the announcement, the SPA said,historical accountRegarding the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, he points out that the two nations have had close ties for more than 80 years.
Rumors have been circulating for months that the Chinese president is going to visit the United States’ largest Middle Eastern ally. On Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry confirmed the visit, saying it would last from Wednesday to Saturday.
Last week, the Saudi government sent out a registration form for reporters covering the summit without confirming the exact date. refused to respond.
Reports of the long-awaited visit come against the backdrop of many disagreements the US has with both Beijing and Riyadh.
The US and Saudi Arabia remain embroiled in a bitter dispute over oil production, but in October the Saudi-led oil cartel OPEC+ cut production by 2 million barrels a day to “stabilize” prices. In time, it escalated into strong rhetoric and trade denunciations. The decision was made despite fierce protests in the United States.
Saudi Arabia, a strong U.S. ally for 80 years, sees a declining U.S. security presence in the region, especially amid growing threats from Iran and its armed Yemeni proxies. I am bitter about being here.
China, an economic giant in the east, is at odds with the United States over Taiwan, which U.S. President Joe Biden has repeatedly pledged to protect the island against Chinese attacks. The troubling topic has seriously soured precarious relations between Washington and Beijing, which are already vying for influence in the volatile Middle East.
As America’s allies in the Arab Gulf accuse Washington of falling behind in guaranteeing security in the region, China has stepped up ties with the Gulf monarchies and America’s enemies Iran and Russia. ing.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, China and Saudi Arabia also have different stances towards the West. Both have refrained from backing sanctions against Russia, and Riyadh has repeatedly said Moscow is a key energy-producing partner that must be consulted on OPEC+ decisions. Some U.S. officials have accused Saudi Arabia of siding with Russia and aiding President Vladimir Putin in a war with Ukraine.
Saudi officials deny the weaponization of oil or Russia’s support.
Biden said in October that the United States must “rethink” its relationship with Saudi Arabia. The president appears to have tried to repair it during his visit to Riyadh in July. Biden, who has vowed to turn the kingdom into an “outcast” and has blamed the crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has become a global icon. He flew to Riyadh amid oil shortages and greeted Mr bin Salman with a fist. global headlines.
But ultimately the frigid visit did not lead to an increase in oil production and only exacerbated tensions.
