Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Riyadh on December 14, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China and signaling plans to deepen cooperation across energy, AI and regional diplomacy.

During the meeting, Mohammed bin Salman asked Wang to convey greetings from King Salman and himself to Chinese President Xi Jinping, reaffirming Riyadh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Saudi leaders, he said, place high importance on relations with China and are prepared to elevate cooperation to a higher level under the comprehensive strategic partnership framework.

The crown prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s adherence to the one-China principle and its support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while opposing external interference in Beijing’s internal affairs. He noted that China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner and highlighted steady growth in two-way investment.

Mohammed bin Salman said Saudi Arabia is eager to expand cooperation with China in traditional areas such as oil and gas, while also accelerating collaboration in emerging sectors including new energy, artificial intelligence and high technology. He expressed support for China hosting the second China-Arab States Summit and the second China–Gulf Arab Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 2026, and called for early completion of negotiations on a China-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi’s greetings in return, emphasizing the strong personal rapport and mutual trust between Chinese and Saudi leaders. He welcomed the prospect of Mohammed bin Salman visiting China next year to attend the China-Arab States Summit and help shape the future of China-Arab relations.

China, Wang said, is prepared to be Saudi Arabia’s reliable partner in its national development, strengthening traditional energy cooperation while broadening collaboration in future-oriented industries. He also reaffirmed China’s interest in concluding a China-GCC Free Trade Agreement and maintaining close coordination with Saudi Arabia on regional and international affairs.

Both sides highlighted China’s role in supporting regional stability, including its efforts to promote normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and agreed to continue regular dialogue to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.

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